midlifecrisis

That was my first thought too.

lol, I have wondered that myself

A place I look forward to visiting.

Pattaya is Fantasyland. The magic must rub off after a while or you wouldn't need to go back.

Just remember that America was founded by people too sexually uptight even for the British! But we're learning.

Have you logged in? Just a thought. They do timeout after a while.

It's not like its hard to do. Even I managed.

Thanks, bookmarked it!

Gotta love this description from the Majestic Suites web site "Long Bath-tub in the toilet"

More great help guys, I appreciate it.

Thanks, picoman. I just found this link to SheKou. Album one has a map of the ferry routes. http://www.geocities.com/jamyin2001/Shekou.html Mid

I am not sure I understood that. What is wrong with a stamp from HK on passport, for instance?

Thanks guys! mid

Thanks, Gary. Where can I get the best info on what it requires to retire to Thailand?

I hope they don't ban you. I would be very disappointed in this group if they do. There is not a person on this earth that I couldn't find serious fault with if I was so inclined. I try to ignore what I don't like but am able to live with, which is a lot more than I could when I was young. To answer your question, I am 55, my only health problems are a surgically repaired knee and two recently removed cervical disks. I am cerebral but get an occasional below the waist itch that needs to be scratched. I am married, but we are considering divorce. This is one big reason I am considering

No sir, not yet. Next February will be the first time. I realize that my real knowledge of conditions and attitudes over there is extremely limited and filtered by the American press. And I am looking at a number of places including Cebu and Costa Rica. I am simply exploring and explaining myself, which will include admitting my shortcomings. Those I strive to ever improve. As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." or was that "If I'm lying, I'm dying." ? Mid

I have no problem with others, but I have concerns with other's problems with me or my country of origin. So I tend to see myself feeling more at home in a Budhist nation than a predominately muslim one.

As I ponder my future and a possible early retirement abroad, I have a few concerns that I would like your input on. The older I get the more difficult making a visa run to Laos or Cambodia could be. How difficult is it to get a more permanent immigration status to avoid that? What is the attitude toward expats in Thailand? Is the Thai government in any way hostile toward them? Do you expect immigration policies to get tougher, easier or stay the same? Is being married to a Thai national a huge bonus? Anything you can tell me about residing there, retiring there is appreciated.

You mean there isn't? Maybe I should plan on going to Phuket instead.

Haven't been there picoman but it should be easy to find. We will definately get together.

Well, I've narrowed it down to the Lek Hotel & The Residence Garden. I don't think I can go wrong with those.

Everyone, thanks so much. The recommendations you gave will help me narrow my search. Once I have the room choice made, the rest will be relatively simple, with the exception of getting my boss to let me take my vacation when I want it rather than when he wants me to take it. But hey, I can always go sooner. Mid

As I look at all the possible hotels in Pattaya and read through different boards, I am finding it so difficult to choose a hotel with the following: 1500-2000 BHT max during late January early February no extra fee or hassle to bring overnight guests back (ID card ok of course) Between North Pattaya Rd and South Pattaya Rd A bed large enough for three people but not two twin beds pushed together (now is that optimism or what?) AC Room Safe Not extremely noisy Swimming Pool American Breakfast would be nice In room fridge would be excellent I would ap