fiferx

Thanks for that advice. I've passed it on.

MY GF is planning to get the bus from Nakhon Phanom to Bangkok to meet me at the airport next Wednesday. Are the buses running OK? Would it be better for her to bypass BKK and take an alternative route to Pattaya which perhaps avoids most of the flooding? Any advice would be welcome. Jim.

I saw something on the News saying that tourists were being warned not to go to Bangkok. I'm going to Pattaya on Wednesday next week. As far as I can see the airport is open and isn't expecting to have any problems. Pattaya seems to be OK. The forecast for Pattaya for next week is mostly sunny. There's a 10% chance of rain on Wednesday and 0% chance for Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday. Sounds good to me. I got this forecast on www.weather.com. Jim

Montydog - nobody has suggested they have any problems with his sexuality. I was merely making a whimsical point about Ian Bell's unfortunate turn of phrase. Don't go looking for sexual bias where none exists. Jim

They actually did the same to me one year re one of the glasses from the bathroom. I just paid for it. Later realised that my GF had taken it out to the pool and left it there, but it was only a few baht so not important. I suspect that the maid is responsible for this sort of thing, and if you don't pay it may well come out of her salary. In which case it's obviously better to pay up even if it turns out to be the hotel's mistake. If it was only 50 Baht why did you even bother to argue? Jim

England Test cricketer Steve Davis has just outed himself. In a TV interview colleague Ian Bell said - "He's a very popular character in our team. We're all behind him". Perhaps an unfortunate choice of words in the circumstances?

I've always understood that Computer experts are able to recover details of every keystroke. Presumably via some preloaded software. If such software exists on the Hotel or Internet-Cafe computer then you are royally screwed if you signed onto your bank's website. I would only do this via my own password-protected laptop. Even this isn't totally secure but at least it's probably pretty safe. The other options are extremely unsafe in my opinion. Jim

Arrive 2nd. March, leave 23rd. Jim (Fiferx)

Who are the Eagles?

I liked Nong Nooch. However, I could only see two restaurants selling Thai and Chinese food. If I go back again I'll take a couple of sandwiches. Also, I was badly bitten so use lots of anti-mosquito spray.

This happened to me a couple of years back when I was using Mr Toom. The driver slipped the policeman 100 Baht and was waved through. I later r3epaid the 100 Baht to the driver.

Thanks for the tip. As a devoted SF reader, I think this is terrific. I've already downloaded about 20 books. Can't wait to read them all. Jim

My girl-friend Sri is looking for a job. She's honest and reliable. Not afraid of hard work. She's worked before in this sort of capacity. She comes from Nakhon Phanom, so a position in Khon Kaen would be perfect for her. If anyone is interested, send me a message and I can supply contact details. Jim

I've been staying there for the last 3 weeks. Actually I'm in the Sabai Wing which is attached to Sabai Lodge. Good big room with balcony overlooking pool for 1,450 high-season price not incl. breakfast. Always got lots of hot water; maid changes sheets every day; adequate restaurant and reasonable room service. Three pools available, I use Ruen Thai pool which gets lot of sun all day. Good location - lots of bars, restaurants in this area. Big C very close Buses run down Soi Song. No joiner fee. I like it. Jim

For me, the big problem with this increased State Pension is that it will only apply to those who retire after its introduction. People such as myself who are already getting the pension will not be eligible for this new increased pension. Jim