mike100

I retired at 49 with a very small private pension, but a reasonable amount of savings, plus also the sale of my house. Factors that helped me decide about this were the loss of three of my best friends passing away suddenly within 12 months, two of them younger than me, plus half a dozen collogues from work in the last couple of years. Oh, and also a Thai wife that lived with me in London for about six months. Just thought that life was too short and wanted to enjoy what ever time I had left. Here nearly three years now, and having a better life than ever before, with no regrets. Hope

Used to fly Qantas in my early days before discovering EVA Evergreen Deluxe a couple of years ago. Got to admit that although the EVA Deluxe comfort and in flight entertainment takes precedence, my Qantas cabin service was far better on the 3 trips I made. Saying that, I would rather go for the comfort and always fly EVA Deluxe now, even though you are expected to go to sleep after the first meal. Mike.

Hopefully wet, we need the rainy season right now. No mains water at all at home today. The main reservoir is almost dried up and starting to look like a serious situation. Saying that, unpredictable, probably hot, sticky and a few showers now and again. Whatever, you are sure to have a great time. Mike.

My last trip back was not so good service wise. It started with a fire security alert at LHR just as we were directed to board. The EVA ground staff seemed to act like headless chickens and we were all directed out from the gate in what seemed the direction of the suspected fire. The passengers were not having any of this, and a lot of arguing seemed to be going on. They didn’t win and in the end let us wait just outside the gate. After about 30 minutes we were told that someone had lit up a cigarette in the toilet back towards the main terminal which set off the fire alarm, and told to go

Only flew once with them, BKK to Manila business class, and IMO were also the worst airline I have had the misfortune to travel with. Rude cabin staff and lack of service, but then I am English. Was even warned by a German friend not to travel with them, Lol. Tourist class on Thai Air or EVA much better.

Just booked a return Evergreen Deluxe flight to go back to the UK for Easter. Not too bad at 44,700 THB. Was told economy was 8,000 THB cheaper.

I have not actually stayed there, but have checked the rooms out which are very nice. Was told the cost was 700 baht per night. This place is brand new, large rooms with king sized beds, large TV with DVD player and a nice bar downstairs. Use it as a drinking hole a couple of nights a week. Raymond the manager used to work at G-Spot before they closed, and the bar is not a hostess bar, although most of the staff are ex G-Spot service girls. A good friendly place to stay in the middle of the action. Same management as the Queen Victoria just down the Soi. Mike.

Heard it was when I was there a few months ago, but think it would be more rife in the rain forests than the resorts. Used Jaico repellent at night and although still got one or two bites, no problems, …so far.

As well as the Climax bar already mentioned, try EasyRiders on Second Road, opposite Tiffany’s. IMO One of the best rock bands in Pattaya 5 nights a week. I think Thursday they are at Shenanigans and Friday at the Hard Rock, but quite a good band to replace them on those nights. Large and excellent venue with draft beer at only 50 B as well.

Not easy, Even though my Thai wife lived in the UK for six months on a spouse visa before we relocated to Los, last time she applied for a tourist visa for us to visit my elderly parents we were turned down. Our three properties are in her name, (two leased to me) but the rejection was on her not needing a job and the possible failure to return home to Thailand. Tried to explain the she doesn’t need to work to no avail. It seems to be pot luck. A friend over recently met a BG and applied for a tourist visa on his second trip a few weeks later, and was approved without hesitation

Hi JML, How about bringing Granddad out some English Tea bags, a jar of Marmite and some Cadbury’s chocolate. That’s what I look forward to when friends are visiting. : Also lots of nice cheap markets selling just about everything. Last time my daughter was here she had to buy another case to get all the clothes and shoes she bought home. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the prices. Mike.

I got two pairs in Mikes Mall, just on the right as you go in. No problems and only a four hour service. I supplied the frames, and the cost was 500 THB per pair. Large selection of colours and although I supplied a prescription, they tested again to confirm it. Also got a pair of Bi-focal’s at 3,000B inc. flex frames. Very friendly service, and after over a year, every time I need to go to Beach Road, they still stamp my parking slip for three hours free parking underneath the Mall. Recommended.

Well, glad we got that sorted out. :) Know what you mean about seeing the tones or the inflections of the postings, and must admit that when I read your question about Ting not liking the original poster, I read it the wrong way too.

Cumcannon, The owner of this board clearly states that there should be no BG discussion here. Ting tong was simply directing the original poster to the rules, and to a link for joining the members section where this topic can be freely discussed. As a newbie, maybe you should familiarize yourself with the rules before questioning a respected Senior member. Please look at the Pinned: READ THIS BEFORE POSTING ON THIS FORUM

I bought a fairly large safe 31x21”(combination an two key locks) from ground floor at Tesco-Lotus NPR, for about 11,000 B last year. Was delivered the next day from the main dealer in BKK. More than happy with it.

Last night the bus lane going against the traffic was full of parked cars and motorcycles going the wrong way taking advantage of the new system. Not long before a major accident IMO. Narrowly missed another bike (without lights) last night as he came into the middle lane against the traffic to avoid a parked car.

Wombat… Not suggesting they were trying to scam me at all, but was quite pissed off by their attitude and unwillingness to be reasonable.

Been there a couple times since they opened and found the DIY and furniture dept very good. Spent a few thousand BHT on those occasions. On returning to buy some more stuff yesterday, my wife was asked to leave her small bag (with all our money, a large tape measure, notepad and a passport) at the front desk. We tried to explain (politely) that we would need our money at check out, the tape measure for obvious reasons and our unwillingness to leave the passport, also that there would not be room in the small bag to steal anything from them, although they would be welcome to search it

I normally don’t think it’s too cold, but last time in there I did. My T/wife was freezing and wanted to move on. We didn’t though, and had another few beers with Ben. Shame though, I now have to persuade her into going there. Although, that could be an advantage for going alone. ;D Next time I go, at least I can wear that Thai suit I had made, and was never able to wear because of the heat out here. ;D ;D ;D Just have to get an air con taxi to get home.

Live here, and like both. North is a little quieter which can be a slightly cheaper alternative. Worth trying Soi 2 complex and Classroom 2000 across the Soi, and Atlantic Bar. Also some good bars in Naklua just past the Dolphin roundabout. Still love Walking Street. area, but a bit more in your face. My first time in Pattaya was North, and a few years later still rate it. It doesn’t really matter which part of town you stay, only a few minutes on the baht bus or taxi from Walking Street to Naklua. but worth trying all for your evening entertainment.

Lewis, Glad you’re both getting out here at last. Our ladies UK visa problems seem a long time ago now, but for me, it was good to have your support at the time. :) Give us a ring when your settled? Nos. PM’ed to you. Mike & Kes.

I like the stuff as an alternative to excess alcohol if driving, but my Thai wife says it is bad for the body to drink more than one bottle a day. Can’t find anything about that on their website though.

Go for it. I moved to Thailand 10 months ago and it was the best decision I have ever made. No more real work for me anymore, but I manage to have a reasonable lifestyle after selling up everything in the UK and living off the interest, plus a small pension cashed in way too early. The folks at home thought I was crazy, but no regrets so far. New life, new future.

I tried to get my parents a 3 week loosely dated Xmas package holiday with a direct flight to visit me in Los, whilst I was on a trip home to the UK last week. After hours of two agents trying, the only thing that one came up with was a BA flight only, on 21st Dec. for the required 3 weeks at 900 pounds each in economy class. They said there were only three seats left on that flight. Was told that there was not a package left that was available, all the flights were full apart from what was offered, all their known hotels were booked and that maybe I could find accommodation for them mys

In the end I booked with All Seasons Travel. 29,500 baht return BKK to LHR, Thai Airways direct, (mid July.) Amie also thought she could get me an extra 10 kilo of luggage on the return trip. Found her very, very helpful. She made the reservation and said to pay her when convenient. I tried TIC first, but found there was a communication problem, also they didn’t reply to my emails. Probably my fault as I abbreviated as BKK and LHR and tried to ask about the possibility of extra luggage on the return trip. I went to the office the next day and she said she received my mails but did n