laffnliv

Have had excellant care at the Pattaya International Hospital on Soi 4. First time was in '95 when I had a motorbike accident. Had many stitches in the head (which may explain a few things) and stitches in an elbow. Cleanest hospital I ever saw, and the care was outstanding. Have been back a few times for flu, intestinal stuff, and a dermatological exam. Very inexpensive and effective. Took my tirac to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital (her request) several times for a lung problem. Also very clean and efficient. Both hospitals do not keep you waiting long when you don't have an appointment. Roy

Go slowly, guys. I recommend that if you are going to buy, you do it to have a place to stay, not as an investment. Some, as stated, have had good luck in renting them out when they are not in country, but others obviously have not. Just look in the classified section of the Pattaya Mail, or in the Pattaya Trader. Both are full of adds by owners trying to sell. Why, I wonder? About a year and a half ago I bought a studio condo, not at View Talay, for my own use. No regrets. And if the economy goes belly up, as it did not that long ago, I won't feel that I have lost much. Roy

Thanks a lot H! I'll give them a try this week. Hope to get to buy you that beer I promised! Roy

Bob, I just got a notebook computer and plan to bring it to Pattaya next week. You say you have telephone numbers for AOL in both Pattaya and Bangkok. Would you share those with us? Please? (Buy you a beer!) Roy

Sorry to hear that...if it is true. I stayed there several times and enjoyed it mainly because of the great location. That was a few years ago, and I did hear that there are new owners now. Then, as well as now, they cater to Chinese tour groups which is a bit of a bummer. Sorry also to hear that the price has gone up quite a bit, but maybe they have done some modernization which was needeed. I will NEVER pay a joiner fee. Roy

Maybe: Fat Lazy Bastards ....or Freeloading Lusting Barflys...or ......? Maybe there should be a contest? Roy

It sure is not busy. Although there may be an influx of the BKK mongers as things are really tight in BKK now. After APEC is over the optimists feel everything will loosen back up. I wouldn't bet on it, but what do I know? Roy

I remember reading about this some time back, so I was prepared when I arrived Sept. 17. I was not asked for it. Must of been because of my baby blue eyes. Roy

You should always have a look at condo before you rent it. Condos are not like hotels. Hotel rooms are all furnished the same and as a consequence are predictable so you can rent over the internet or by phone. Condos are different in that each condo is furnished by the individual owner. If the owner has good taste and isn't a penny-pincher it may be furnished nicely. If the owner is just trying to get by as cheaply as possible, the furnichings can be a bit grim. Best thing to do it get into town, stay at a hotel, and check out the condos in person. There are a great many available. Check the Pattaya Mail newspaper, or walk into a real estate office. Roy

Irishman's suggestion is the best advice! And, yes, I would spend a little time in Bangkok. There are some great places to visit. Been there, done that. In Pattaya there is more excitement, IMHO. Roy

There is another good reason to avoid the ladies at the Tim's Go-Go. They have a "meeting" every week where they are taught how to squeeze the farang as much as possible for baht. I had a great gal from there on one trip who was new. Next trip she really treated me like an ATM. I dumped her. Damned shame. Second best boobs in Pattaya. A VERY attractive gal. Roy

You are right. Actually, the FLB may be closing about the time I hit town. I hope to see you there, but not that first night. I have my tirac waiting for me. Have some catching up to do. Roy

Will arrive ll:50 PM, Flight No. 1, Northwest Airlines. Roy

There are many variables, such as rain storms and accidents that may screw up your timing. The fastest trip I ever had was one hour and fifteen minutes. Early in morning, no traffic, no accidents, and no rain. Having said that, I would plan on two hours "just in case." The plane won't wait for you, so why take the chance. At the worst, you get there VERY early and cool your heels for awhile. That's not fatal. Roy

Interesting thread! And, yes, I am addicted also. My first trip was 10 years ago. Seems like each year I spend more time in Thailand. Last year it was 6 months. I am on schedule this year to spend 7 months. Where will it end? My trips are funded by my retirement income. Yep. an old fart here! But having a great life (when I am in Thailand). Roy

Sunny's is toward 2nd Rdl, on the left side. It is between a tailor shop and a foot massage shop. Sunny is also a travel agent, and can arrange hotels, transport to airport and BKK, can re-confirm plane ticket....you name it. A large, laid back Indian guy. If you are a member of the Pattaya City Expats Club he gives discounts. Roy

Aj is right about no guest charge at the Sabai Lodge. I stayed there on five trips. A friend had two ladies on several occasions with no problems. I talked to the manager and she told me there are no problems unless there is too much noise. Very enlightened, I think. A good hotel that I sincerely recommend. Roy

Relax, Fishy. This goes on all the time. Besides, who appointed you Traffic Controller?

It is ANA (All Nippon Airlines) that flies non-stop from Dulles Airport, outside Washington, D. C. to Tokyo. I used it several times when it was first initiated here. It was great! However, once it was well-established, the rates went up quite a bit. I now fly Northwest Airlines and it's reasonable. I just booked a trip starting Sept. 16 with a return on December 9 for $725 plus some tax. I fly from Reagan Naional Airport in D. C. to Detroit, then to Tokyo, then to BKK. The connections are good with no long layovers. Don't buy from the NWA website. Their price is over $ 100 higher. Roy

Alan, you don't need to set up a company to buy a condo. That only applies when you buy a house because then you are buying land also. A farang can buy a condo in his own name. I did so last November. Not a problem. Roy

As you know I have been griping for some time that while in Pattaya I can't enter the member's section on the board. While in the FLB last night Peter (Player) suggested I try the internet shop on Soi8, next to the Sunrise Hotel. And it works! Have no idea why my regular internet shop will not let me into your web site. So I guess I will just give this place my business now. Warning! I will now start boring everyone with my trip report. I have been here two months now, with almost one more to go. Roy

No problem, Irish. I promise to protect him from the temptations of the flesh. Hah! Roy

Great! Am looking forward to meeting you. Rather than boring everyone on the board with our details, please either PM me, or e-mail me at: laff2liv@webtv.net Roy P.S. Where will you be staying in Pattaya?

I arrive one hour after you. If you can wait for an hour, I would be happy to share a taxi to Pattaya with you. PM me! Roy

Jimmmy, sounds like the place hasn't changed much since I stayed there almost 10 years ago. Like you, I didn't go back. However, the restaurant was quite good bact then. Roy