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There is a minibus service, once an hour from Jomtein to Victory monument. It is on Jomtein Beach road at the corner of Soi 5 (or 4). The cost if I remember correctly is around 150 Baht.

Just wondering. What happened to the guy in the original post, more than 18 weeks ago. Surely he must be here by now and can give us his own update of what he did and how easy or difficult it was for him. If not perhaps the O.P. 'Frosty' can give a quick update.

Lovedog, Your response and advice is first rate. My comment was based on Airlines operating out of the UK where they need to see evidence of a flight out of Thailand when travelling on a tourist or getting a 30 day visa. If you do not have this they will not allow you to board. My recommendation to avoid this was to pre-book a cheap international flight out of Thailand, which probably would only be used as evidence. Perhaps the Airlines out of USA do not require evidence of an outbound flight.

cannonball83204, You don't say how old you are but if over 50 then get a non-immigrant O visa based as a pensioner. The requirement for a UK resident is (copied from the Hull consulate site) 1) Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged 50 years and over Evidence required: a) Copy of Bank Statement showing income of minimum £900 per month. Please note that either a single or multiple entry visa can be granted in these circumstances. This gives you 90 days from arrival in Thailand (on a single entry) to convert to a Retirement Visa at Thai immigration. If you take the multi-entry optio

Fantastic photographs, thanks for sharing. I agree with Andy above that you have wetted our appetite and I for one would like to know a little more about the area and may even schedule a visit. Is that area safe from the border terrorism?

The one opposite Sandy Spring hotel on Soi 13 has supplied me good suits over the years,

What a wonderful analogy...... It could only ever be made in Thailand........ Love it...........

Have you noticed the smile on your intended barfines face when you answer "No" to her "Do you smoke?" enquiry. Many of them hate smokers, who unbeknown to themselves actually stink.

you should consider arrival time in Khon Kaen rather than departure time. Departure: 18:20Bangkok, Thailand - Suvarnabhumi International Arrival: 19:15Khon Kaen, Thailand - Khon Kaen Airline: Thai Airways Intl TG46 Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A300-600/600C Last check in: information Fare type: Economy Restricted not available Baggage: 20 kilogram(s) per traveller Flight payment and ticket Payment 2,165.00 THB I do not think that a taxi leaving BKK is likely to arrive in Khon Kaen before the last flight, and I suggest that prices will be similar. One option is to leave your

It has been unavailable in Nong Khai since Christmas. i was hoping supplies would resume but from the above I guess not.

I can confirm this as I have been asked, after passing through Customs into the arrival hall, to open my bags ( hold & carry-on) for inspection. He was feeling down the sides and I guess searching for cigarettes and booze. It was all very discrete and I was allowed to continue within 3 or 4 minutes as I did not have contraband.

Having spent48 hours scouring Nong Khai & Udon Thani for Christmas crackers I think that I am rapidly going off of the idea of Christmas - except in Nong Khai we have a big street party this Sunday for Christmas and another next week for New Year. Thais do like to party and are not over-worried about the reason.

I have made the Bell Bus connection from your flight as it often arrives early. Don't delay in getting to immigration to beat any queue. Bags should be there by the time you clear then get down to the lower floor as fast as you can. Bell bus now share a counter with an hourly bus to Pattaya Sukhumvit Dd and Jomtein Beach which costs 124 Baht. I find buses as quick as Taxis.

And now, after changing my flight to BA next Saturday they go back to work!

I hope that any travellers from Australia, that are currently in Pattaya are aware of the situation, so that they too can make alternate plans. I can't imagine much worse than arriving at Bangkok airport ready to fly home then finding the air carrier was not operating and no other flights available. News reports here are saying that some flights just stopped mid-journey at the re-fuelling stopover point with no way of continuing. For example people are stuck in Hong Kong midway on a flight from Europe to Australia.

Thanks for the updates Guys. Just to let you know that as I had booked through British Airways they have found me a seat on one of their flights on Saturday next.

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/qantas-grounds-all-flights-20111029-1mpao.html http://www.smh.com.au/travel/qantas-grounding-a-breach-of-faith-government-20111029-1mpij.html

I am due to fly LHR to BKK tomorrow night but have just heard on the news that all flights are grounded. Does anyone have further information please http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15504838 The Australian airline Qantas is to ground all international and domestic flights with immediate effect due to an industrial dispute. A statement said all employees involved in industrial action would be locked out from Monday evening and flights grounded from 0600 GMT on Saturday. Aircraft currently in the air will complete their flights, but there will be no further departure

This website appears to carry detailed information from the Thai government. http://disaster.go.th/dpm/flood/floodEng.html

The food is OK, completely different to the AA. AA is a big 'industrial' hotel whilst the haven is small with a quaint rustic charm. Depending when you arrive, and providing its not the Christmas period, why not just try them for one night to so see if they are to your liking. Plenty of others in the same area you might even suit your personal taste better, Dynasty, Whitehouse, Pattaya Bay Resort, Lek, and others

Have you considered ordering new from the UK? Plenty of brand new frames fitted with prescription lenses from under £20.00 I have bought from both of these companies and can recommend, but a google search will probably find more. http://www.spex4less.com/gents_prescription_glasses.shtml http://www.glasses2you.co.uk/ Send me a private message if you have difficulty with delivery as I will be coming to Pattaya early next month.

Just noticed this offer at my local Waitrose branch. 79 Baht.

I was recommended these guys if you are from the UK and over 50. Did a quick quote and for someone like me, over 65 with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and previous high cholesterol all covered for up to 18 month trip. Not dirt cheap but I didn't even expect to get cover. http://www.staysure.co.uk/travelinsurance/longstay.php Motorbikes seem to be excluded but not much else.

I have been in and out of BKK recently and have found immigration queues both arriving and leaving to be much improved. Not sure there would be any value in purchasing fast track although if given free by the airline then why not use it.