DrPat

The first couple of times I stayed at Sabai Wing, no problem, last time I paid up-front without realising (see #11 above) and now it gets worse! The reply to my "it’s me again - do you have a room?" email tells me I need to send credit card details so they can take pay for the first two nights. I have politely replied that I have never been asked for this before but will be happy to pay this deposit on arrival next month. Don’t miss the next exciting episode!

Welcome aboard SoiSauce. Sorry I can’t help, but I would also be interested in the answer from anyone who can. I too would also like to avoid living next door to any heavy metal fans, as I’m not keen on leather jackets.

Two things you have to say about my good friend Teelack: 1. A true gentleman 2. Not easily put off PS I’ve been in September, usually for a ten-day stint, and not had a rainy day. Bring a brolly just in case and don’t forget a clean change of money.

I’m just about to book accommodation for my upcoming pilgrimage. I have stayed at Sabai Wing for my last four or five trips, but only on the last occasion (October 2012) was I asked to pay up-front. Technically, I wasn’t asked. I gave my credit card for the traditional ‘swipe’ and it was returned with a cheery “that’s your stay all paid for”. See: http://www.pattayatalk.com/forums/topic/56578-sabai-lodge-soi-2/page-2 #48 for the whole sad story. Fortunately, despite the construction work on Soi 2, I didn’t have too much of a problem with noise. Only occasional banging (hem, hem). I will probably stick with Sabai Wing (but will not be paying up-front in full) unless any Boardies advise of noise problems. Also, can anyone advise of similar hotels? I usually try and inspect one or two possible venues on each trip, but have yet to find anywhere better (for me) at this sort of price.

Non.

Planning a couple of trips this year. I usually try and avoid any Thai public holidays because of possible bar closures – I get very thirsty in Pattaya. Is there a definitive list of which public holidays involve the bars and GoGos being closed? Is there any possibility of having a pinned list for the next twelve months Martin?

Yes! As a sensitive, easy going chap, I’d hate to have my picture in the papers with the caption: ‘Police believe there may be many more victims’!

You’ve both caught me there! Whilst being polite comes into the equation, there is certainly an element of making sure the lady is off the premises without any unauthorised souvenirs. Another situation to consider is, if the lady suddenly disappeared after leaving your room. I know it is very unlikely to happen, but I can see the newspaper story now: Pattaya lady vanishes – last seen entering the hotel room of…

I always escort the lady back to reception, wait while she gets her id card back and make sure she gets (preferably) a baht bus or a motorcycle taxi – and I’ve never even been to New Zealand! As a few ladies have commented on this procedure, I guessed that it wasn’t standard practice.

Following the current problems in Mali, at the weekend the French announced that they are increasing the level of their terror alert. It’s going from ‘hide’ to ‘run away’. They only have two higher settings: ‘surrender’ and ‘collaborate’.

Good one! I'll be adding this to my Spring collection.

Good one! Also adding this to my Spring collection.

It has to be said, the mango/salt joke it’s not the funniest in the world – but it had a happy ending. Welcome aboard! (PS: In the UK the buffalo would run away to get a compensation claim started.)

For any UK BMs without Sky TV, this may be the programme showing on Pick TV (UK Freeview channel 11) on Friday 28 December at 9.00pm.

This joke is based upon the fact that in the story of Cinderella, at midnight everything* reverts back to its normal form. So, you see, the tampon would revert back to a pumpkin, causing Cinderella considerable discomfort and embarrassment. It’s always a bit unfortunate when someone has to explain a gag, and quite often, after it has been explained, the response will be “that’s not funny” - or words to that effect. However, if you genuinely think it’s a “crap joke” perhaps you are not reading it correctly? Try changing your delivery, maybe with a Cockney (London) accent. Also, when you get to the punch line (that’s the last line of the joke), try hitting on (i.e. emphasising) the third word and saying the last five words slightly quicker – but still articulating them clearly. * In the story of Cinderella, bizarrely the glass slipper doesn’t revert back to its normal form, if it did the story wouldn’t work. Similarly, whilst a courgette may more closely resemble the size and shape of a tampon, the joke wouldn’t work, because the tampon reverting back to a courgette would only cause Cinderella fairly mild inconvenience. What’s a “day job”. I don’t get it.

Cinderella working in the kitchen as usual, looking suitable pissed off, when up pops her fairy godmother. “What’s up, Cinderella?” she asks. Cinderella tells her that she can’t go to the ball. “No problem”, replies the fairy godmother. “Get me an old frock and a pair of trainers”. Cinderella duly obliges, the fairy godmother waves her wand and, boom, a fantastic ball gown and a pair of glass slippers. Cinderella says, “I still can’t go to the ball….”. The fairy godmother says, “Hang on, I haven’t finished yet – get me a pumpkin and six white mice”. Cinderella rustles these up, the fairy godmother waves her wand again and, boom, an amazing golden coach and six white horses. “Right”, says the fairy godmother. “Off you go to the ball. Have a good time.”. Cinderella says, “I keep telling you I can’t go to the ball. The fairy godmother asks “Why not? You’ve got the clobber and the transport. What’s the problem?” (This is where the story deviates slightly from the original) “I can’t go to the ball because… it’s the wrong time of month”. “OK, OK”, says the fairy godmother. “Get me another pumpkin”. She waves her wand over the pumpkin and, boom, a tampon! “Right”, says the fairy godmother, “you’re all set, off you go to the ball, have a hell of a time… ...but for fuck’s sake get back here before midnight!”

Whilst there must be problems from time to time, I can honestly say than in ten years worth of visits to Thailand I have used credit cards to pay for hotels and to raise cash at ATMs and have never had a problem with fraudulent charges. In fact the only time I have had a problem was in the UK with a card I only used for internet purchases – I had literally never taken it out of my house. Someone kindly used it to top-up a mobile ‘phone to the tune of £100. Had it quickly refunded by the bank. I always keep one card for internet transactions only, with the credit limit set to £100, which I use to buy books, DVDs, CDs, etc. Bigger internet purchases (airline tickets, etc) go on a cashback card.

Recently back from a very pleasant break in Pattaya. In common with my last couple of visits, I stayed at Sabai Wing (linked to Sabai Lodge) on Soi 1. Whilst I usually make more enquiries as to building noise, on this occasion I only made cursory research. Mistake. When I checked in, as is the usual custom, I was asked for my credit card. When it was returned I was told that payment had been taken for my one-week stay. I realise that it is in the hotel’s Ts & Cs, but on previous stays they have only requested a copy of my card, not payment in full. With a smile I said I would rather pay on departure, to be told that I had already been charged. I repeated that I would like to pay on departure. Again I was told that I had already been charged. This went on for a bit... but there was no offer of a refund. I’m sure that the building noise from the junction Soi 2 / Second Road started at about 6.30 am on at least one occasion and was certainly up and running by 8.30 am each day. It continued up to about 8 pm. Perhaps it’s just my suspicious nature, but I think it’s just possible that I was charged up front to stop me moving out on day 2. To be absolutely honest, the noise could have been worse (it was mostly hand tools) and I did generally manage to sleep through it, but if you are a light sleeper, I would give Sabai Wing a miss until the work is finished, and make sure you are not charged on arrival. Amusingly, the building company is called ‘Pre-Built’, but to me there wasn’t much evidence of pre-building. Here is the view from Sabai Wing:

Well done that man! We should never forget the sacrifices of all of those involved in conflict… …and thank God that our generation (generally) seems to have escaped the horrors of war.

I'll be up for it (so to speak)

A good mate of mine, who came from a very large family, once told me that he had never slept in a room by himself - until about a week after he got married.

I’m always surprised by the number of Europeans who seem to be taking ‘family holidays’ in Pattaya. Wherever I visit in the world I do some research on the place, but these guys must have been fast asleep in the travel agent. Either that or perhaps they plan to say to their wives and kids, “Just popping out for a couple of hours - to stretch my, er, legs”.

I remember this thread! It was a Sunday (morning). Pretty amazing considering I didn’t join until 2010.

Google it to find out.

I though about booking this hotel, as it’s right next door to one I used many times a few years back – Pattaya Centre Hotel. The reports on Tripadvisor for LK Empress are pretty mixed (9 excellent, 12 very good, 2 average and 9 terrible) and I see that the agency rates are a good bit cheaper than the rack rates, in my experience, not a good sign. I’m pleased that MC_Ldop obviously enjoyed the place, but has anyone else actually stayed here?