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One of my favorites also. Today saw a BIG sign on the place telling of the closing. I was on a baht bus at the time so didn't get all it said. But think it said it was relocating to Walking Street somewhere just past the Nong Nual seafood restaurant. Didn't catch the date of closing either. Will report if no one beats me to it as it will be a couple of days before I am down that way again. Roy

Good question, Emil, about the land next to Mike Beach Resort and across the soi from Mike Orchid Resort. So far no one seems to know. Yes, the Lounge/Bar opened on the Soi 4 street level of Susie's is now a "Japanese Only" operation. The former entrance to Susie Massage (later Susie Karaoke) which is a stairway to the second floor is currently getting a major face lift. Some time back the rumor was that the former massage parlor was being converted into a hotel. But so far no signs have gone up to give a clue. On the Beach Road side of the building the beer bar is still open and apparently going good business. They don't have much competition at that location. Roy

I was in Pattaya in April of '93. Nobody warned me! Almost had sunstroke. All the advice above is good,....plus wear a hat during the day! Now I avoid April using the excuse of going back to the States to do the tax bull shit. Allows me to avoid Songran also. Roy

And a VERY old one: Through the lips and over the gums, look out stomach, here it comes! Roy We old guys sometimes have good memories.

How will the area look in 5 or 10 years? That's a pretty scary thought. As one guy I passed on the soi said one day, "It's beginning to look like Miami Beach!" Lots of talk but little action by the local authorities on the problems of traffic and water. On the horizon also are the potential political problems caused by what seems to now be rule by a one-party system. Add to that the potential upheaval when the King passes away. That last one might be a doozy! So, yes, I am enjoying Thailand in general, and Pattaya in particular. But I am not about to commit all my resources here. It would be wonderful if things stayed pretty much the way they are. But they won't. And only time will tell how things will work out. I am hoping I can stay here forever,.....but.....? I will PM you my local phone number. If you would like to talk some more, and /or have a look around, just give me a call. Roy

Bazle, no I don't rent the condo out when I am not here. I go back to the States three times each year for only one month each time. And my lady lives in it when I am gone. No problem at all with neighbors. Some noise from construction nearby from the Northshore Condominium contruction on Soi 5. It will go away soon. I am on Soi 4. This is an older building. Only 69 apartments. Quite friendly. The building needs some TLC. It's managed by Thais. Need I say more? We will have the building painted this year. Baht buses at both ends of the soi. Walk to Big C and PIC Hospital just up the soi. Remember when you shop around that there is no Utopia. Where ever you choose you will be making compromises. The trick is to find a balance between what you want and what you don't want. To me, location is everything! If I can confuse you further, please let me know! Roy

Here's to good health,...and good friends! Everything else is bullshit! Roy

Yeah, things are pretty tight here now with people re-directing here from Phuket and Chinese New Year festivities now in full swing. In the past things start winding down by the end of Feb., and certainly the early part of March when the temps here start heating up. Roy

Rent before buying. May save you a bundle if you make an informed purchase later rather than a hurried one. Location! Access to convenient shopping, medical support, and public transportation. I do not, and will not, own a car or a motorbike here. The drivers are insane! If you choose wisely, you will not need the hassle with insurance, driver's license, or the rest of the bureaucratic nonsense including paying the cop to let you go after stopping you only because you are a farang or he needs cigarette money. Some guys talk about "investing" in property. I didn't do that. I bought a small condo in a great location and a low price, comparatively. If the economy goes bad, or the government does the same, I will not be hurt if I have to leave it all. Sorry to sound pessimistic. I really love it here. I think one reason I get along so well is that I avoid contact with the government as much as possible. And if things go well and I decide to sell, the end result is that I get my money back, and maybe a little more. Which means I will have lived here for free. Remember the Buddhist way...take the middle path. No excesses. Just sanuk! Roy

Todays good hotel, may not be attractive tomorrow. Have stayed at the Nova Lodge several times. But poor staff attitude and increased prices caused me to move. Stayed at Pattaya Centre Hotel many times. Loved the location. But new ownership took over, increased prices and catered to cheapie Chinese tour groups. Made me crazy. Tried the Haven Hotel. Loved the location, but the manager's snooty attitude drove me away. Stayed at the High Five once. And only once! Enough said. Stayed at what used to be called the U Hotel several times. Good location in the north end, but the Japanese owner was an ass-hole. Fired his Thai manager to save the salary and thought he could manage it himself. BIG mistake! He went bust and was bought out by the "Mike" people who renovated and now call it the Mike Beach Resort. Nice. Stayed at the Sabai Lodge MANY times, and loved it! But bought a small condo two plus years ago and so haven't kept up with the hotel scene. At least the price increases don't affect me now. Roy

Pattaya is OK. I called there early this morning when I heard of the disaster. My lady tells me all is OK. No high water. Said they felt the earth move a little. Hell. I felt the earth move when I first heard of the calamity and before details unfolded about the areas affected. Scared hell out of me! Was an emotional relief to heard my lady's voice when I called. Death toll now above 11000 - and rising. Number of injured,....impossible to know at this stage. Roy

JohnnyK.....so how was it? Roy

Dynasty Inn on Soi 4 in BKK. They will transport you to Pattaya...IF..you book into the Dynasty Inn in Pattaya. Roy

Jack, all that is interesting.....but.... I will repeat what I told you before. Talk to a THAI lawyer. I will predict that he will tell you that you cannot bring in guns, and that you cannot set up a corporation to own the guns. I'm sorry I am so negative here, but I firmly believe that is the way it is. Maybe it all sounds illogical to you, but this is Thailand...and it ain't the same as your home country. By the way, if you had guns in Thailand, legal or otherwise, you are going to suffer a burglary or robbery. Thats the way it is here, Jack. Damn! I don't recall ever being so negative! Sorry, but..... Roy

Wow! Quite an improvement over the old pool. I hope they maintain the new one better than they did the old one. Water was dirty..probably not filtered. I like to hang out at a pool, but I will admit that I don't like the polluted air in BKK. Kind of takes away from the poolside experience. Roy

Suitcase: This should be posted as a new thread. More members will see it that way. The guy has brass balls. Especially when he uses his own picture as his avatar on this forum. Roy

First, consult a Thai lawyer. Then think about it....real hard. You have a gun. You are a farang. No matter what happens you are wrong! Don't do it! Roy

Emil is right. Another reason not to pay in advance. A few years ago in BKK I was staying at the Ambassador Hotel. And paying less than 1000 B. Had stayed there several times previously with no problem. Came back one night with my (then) regular lady and was stopped by security. I had gotten a card when I checked in that showed I had reserved for two. Showed it to the guard and he went away with a most unhappy look on his face. It happened again the next night...with a different guard. New hotel policy or just a security guard attempted rip-off? Anyway, showed the card again and went to the room. The next morning I checked out. I will NOT pay a joiner fee. Roy

Sorry, Pauly, but the only thing I do know is that if it's on 3rd Rd. it's not near the action. Not real action, anyway. Roy

Next time you are in town/country, find a local travel agent and sit down and have a talk. Find one who you can give your business to regularly, including tours and reconfirming air tickets. Then when you are in your home country you can e-mail or call him/her for reservations or whatever. I used to do that when I had an agent in BKK, but she gave up her business when she latched onto a farang. And never had to prepay. Since I have a condo now I don't have the hotel worry. Roy

You guys are a big help. I bought my corded mouse in Pattaya at a great price. I will price them here in the States (came back for Xmas). They sound like they are quite reasonable, so may buy here rather than back in LOS. Roy

I have a notebook computer and use a mouse rather than the built in pad. But I have to get the noteook out and set it up each time I want to use it. Not a big problem, but if I could have at least one less wire to untangle it would be a help. Anyone use one? Good and/or bad points? Thanks for the help. Roy

I would NOT make an up-front payment. If you get there and are unhappy they will not refund to you. Yes, many of the better known hotels in the more convenient locations are pretty much booked, but get your self to Pattaya and just walk in one of these places and I bet you can get a room. If you have to spend a night or two in a comparatively inconvenient location...so what. It's far bette than taking a chance with your credit card or cash-up-front. Roy

I just returned to the States (for the Christmas bullshit) and rode the Airbus for the first time. Not impressed. It flies slower and carries 100 few passengers than the 747. And with fewer attendants the service wasn't great. One neat thing, though, is the seat-back TV's. You had a choice of several movies, and could watch them when you wanted. The system also offers games. Helps the time pass. A good book is still the best. Are the Airbuses just on a 90 day lease? Strange they would schedule a smaller and slower plane during high season. I guess it uses less fuel....? Roy

And the Bella Villa Hotel on Soi 4 in Pattaya has had a huge decorated Christmas tree in the lobby since about the middle of October. Haven't heard Christmas music in the stores yet...thank heavens. Roy