keyman

We've taken cheese, chocolate and other foodstuffs in normal luggage and never had any problems at any time. As long as it's well wrapped to prevent it bursting open in your case you shouldn't have any problems. Keyman

I've flown Thai Airways several times over the last few years as I prefer the direct flight rather than hanging around another airport for several hours just to save a few quid. No complaints over the food and pretty much each time i travel I manage to get an 'exit' seat so more legroom. The only gripe I had was the IFE was pants. They just had the large screens several rows ahead of you which more often than not couldn't be seen too well. However I believe their flights London-BKK now have individual back seat screens. I've also amassed a good few points so on the return leg next time I can get an upgrade! Costwise they have been expensive, but when I last booked they were charging over £900 return for a points-accruing seat. When I rang them up about this rather than just booking online, the price dropped to just over £700 and they threw in a free internal domestic flight if I booked it there and then, so worth making the call!! Keyman

Roo If you've never ridden one before, Pattaya is not the place to learn. You have to have eyes in the back of your head and they will literally come at you from every direction. The normal rules of the road don't apply here. For instance, normally you would give way on a roundabout to vehicles already on it. In Patts they do exactly the opposite and the roundabout becomes crammed with cars, bikes and buses. They never look when they come out of a junction as they expect you to have seen them first. They will drive/ride on both sides of the road and either way on one way streets. Then to top it all off, if you are unfortunate to have an accident with another vehicle it will automatically be your fault as you are the Farang. Their logic is that if you hadn't come to their country the accident would never have happened!! When i was last there I did hire a bike and had a great time. I was stopped by the BIB within two days, but they sent me on my way very quickly once I'd shown them my docs and I was wearing a helmet too. Never had any dodgy moments as I understood how they rode/drove and kept my eyes open. Expect the unexpected!! Having said all that, if you are an experienced motorbike rider before you come here, then they can be a lot of fun and give you that sense of freedom to go where you like, when you like, but without that experience and basic knowledge of the Thai style of riding, I'd give it a miss for now, Roo and just enjoy the ladies! hope that helps. Keyman

last year i rented a Honda Click (not from these guys). I seem to recall that the storage space under the seat wasn't large enough to put a helmet in, even the little cheapie ones. Does anyone know which 125cc bikes can fit an open face helmet under the seat? I'll be bringing the helmet from the UK and I'm loathe to leave it visible on the bike and have someone cut the strap and nick it. Thanks guys Keyman

Hi Cluster I can't comment on the accommodation options for Naklua, as I stay at a private house, but there are many hotels in that area and worth having a look at those down by Wongamat beach. Loads of bars and eateries and some massage parlours - pretty much all you need but on a smaller scale than Pattaya city centre. You're only a baht bus ride from Beach road and Walking Street, but coming back you may need to take 2 baht buses as sometimes (though not always) when the bus gets to the Dolphin roundabout it turns back onto Beach Road. If it does, just hop off, cross the road and get on another bus - simples! Hope that helps. Keyman

I use Firefox and have no problems viewing any links that are posted. I do know, however, that there was an issue recently with the new Adobe update, but whether that would affect the 'missing links' I have no idea. Sorry I couldn't help more. Keyman

Same same!!!!

Click on the link in the first post. It shows exactly what is being discussed. Keyman

I've had mine for a couple of years too and find it's a great gadget. I've loads of books on it, many of them free. Great for flights, airports, lying on the beach/ by the pool, sitting in a quiet bar without the bulk of carrying books with you. I also have it synched with my laptop, netbook and Iphone so I can carry on reading wherever I am. Enjoy Martin! Keyman

The last time I played a round in Thailand (Oo err, missus!) the caddy was asking if I had a girlfriend, so some, but not all, may be a bit playful!! Keyman

Not forgetting trading in counterfeit goods!! Someone taking one or two back for personal use is unlikely to raise more than an eyebrow, but no way would they turn a blind eye to 900. Keyman

It's only 10 Baht from Naklua into town, even all the way to Walking Street. When getting the bus back they sometimes turn back towards the beach when they get to the Dolphin roundabout. If they do, just get off there, walk across the road and pick up another bus going to Naklua, so the maximum you'll be paying on the return would be 20 Baht (10 baht on each bus). During the late afternoon and evening the Police put up barriers at the Dolphin roundabout which prevents the bus and other traffic from entering the roundabout and going down to Beach Road. Don't panic about this. The bus will turn left away from where you want to go, but will do a U-turn about 300 metres up the road and come back down to the roundabout and carry on along Beach Road. It will still only cost you 10 Baht. Hope that helps. Keyman

Anton's is still going and still a pretty good buffet - can't remember how much though! Just on the corner of soi 27

Hi Junk Regarding your mobile phone. I brought my Iphone 3 over believing it to be unlocked, then found it wasn't! Took it to Tuk.com(?) which is a large store that sells everything electrical and technical and they unlocked it for me for the princely equivalent of @ £6 I think, Certainly not a lot anyway. To check if your phone is unlocked before you travel, put in a sim card from a different network and see if it shows as being locked. Whatever you do, don't use your UK sim without turning off your data roaming or you'll have a chuffing huge bill when you get home!! In fact, you can get a sim card before you leave which gives a UK landline for you to redirect your UK mobile to, which then redirects to your thai sim and you don't get stung with the call charges. If you want further info let me know and I'll dig out where I got mine from . Hope this helps and you have a great time Keyman

I flew out on the 11.50 flight and was able to check in before 8 am. I had already pre-booked a window seat, but when I arrived at check-in there was no queue at all and , as always, asked for a seat with extra legroom. They told me to speak with the supervisor at the front desk. She then changed my seat to one by the exit doors. I've done this many times before, the only downside is you can't see the TVs clearly for the 'in flight entertainment'!! Hope that helps Keyman

Pretty damn good!!! Keyman

I have heard that the car park at the airport (not Heathrow!!) is being used to house those displaced by the floods and it's restricting access to the airport to just taxis and minibuses, etc, but not private cars. Any confirmation from the sharp end? Keyman

You should try Heathrow terminal 5!! Keyman

Thanks guys This is just the sort of info I was after. I ride over 10,000 miles a year in the UK, so I know of the dangers associated with riding and very aware of the problems of coming off without protection (helmet, leathers, boots, etc). I keep looking for the suntan lotion with that 'extra' protection not normally supplied with hairy legs and sandals!! My travel insurance will include cover up to 125cc, so won't be getting a crotch rocket that I've seen some farangs riding (why? nobody else gets over 30mph in town, what's the point????) I can't get a Thai licence as I'm not resident, just a repetitive tourist, so I'll plump for the international licence, which is actually just a multi language copy of your UK licence. Any other hints or tips gratefully accepted, looks like my barbill will be going up if I keep offering beer for help see y'all in a few weeks!! Keyman

I've been to Pattaya a few times now and often used the taxi bikes without any really scary moments. I'm an experienced biker in the UK and well aware of the riding/driving standards in Thailand , however what I would like is some advice about the legalities of riding over there. I've 'heard' about the police stops and bikes being impounded and being fined for fictitious breaches of traffic laws, but what is the best way to a) avoid these stops being an issue and the best way to handle them. What documentation do I need to ride a bike over there to prevent fines or bike being taken off me? Thanks guys Keyman

Where is Robins' Nest? Keyman