monkeyman

That's a comfortable budget if you keep an eye on what you spend.

Thanks Gus. If it's 30,000 airmiles then it's the same as the old Evergreen Deluxe upgrade.

There was a sky map when I used Premium Laurel in September so I guess that must have been faulty as well, unless you didn't find it. As I remember, you had to go through a menu or two before it could be accessed.

One for the EVA experts. If you want to upgrade at the airport from Elite to Premium Laurel, which of the two check-in desks do you go to , or can you use either? And does anyone know if the number of airmiles needed is the same as the old Evergreen Deluxe to Super Business upgrade, as their website doesn't doesn't list upgrades in the new classes yet?

They travel furthest in cold weather. Try hitting one across a frozen lake and you'll see what I mean.

I reckon you could do better than £500. I would definitely try WestEast as already recommended.

Agreed. The entrance and reception areas look the part but the rooms are no better than some hotels charging a fraction of the price.

Would you believe BKK flights are refuelling at Stanstead?

Maybe true in some places, but in a place like the Dusit the guest fee is completely formalised. The girl has to fill in a card and the guest fee will be itemised on your bill.

If she's booked in by name then no problem and no guest fee. But don't be surprised if you get stopped by hotel security until they get to know her as they'll assume she's a BG. Just clear it with reception. This is par for the course, and often happens even to guys with their Thai wives. The Dusit charges a 1000 baht guest fee, but it can be waived if you make your booking direct with the hotel rather than via a third party.

Pete, are you thinking of the old Mercure, now called the Cholchan, which is as you say about 5 miles out of town?

Depends on the hotel. Some places, like Sandy Spring, can be booked at a better rate through the right agent.

A few years ago I might have hesitated before answering, but not now. Bangkok is a pale shadow of its former self and as things stand is finished as far as I'm concerned. I've no plans to ever stay there again. Pattaya all the way now.

I'm appalled.

I wouldn't bother when you can find out what's on offer from boards like this and then just choose the things that appeal to you.

Three weeks makes economic sense as, spending money aside, it won't cost you a lot more than a two week stay.

Typical Thai sledgehammer approach to any perceived problem.

I thought you said you hadn't seen it.

AOK. No problem.

Who?

I had the opposite problem with Thai Airways. I wasn't going to Zurich but my luggage went there. Bastards.

When you arrive, are you heading for Pattaya? If so, and you don't have any problem sleeping on planes, I'd go for the evening flight. That way you can get your sleep in en route, and you should arrive in Pattaya between 6 and 7pm. Time for a shower, a change of clothes and straight out on the town.

Loads of blokes with farang women in tow. No problem whatsoever.

I doubt if the thought even crossed their minds.

That'll be nice for them. They can all gather round and watch their tourist industry going down the pan.