JohnnyK

Trvlr, I replied because I thought you were unjustifiably grinding an axe for no substantive reason against a really good airline. I fly EVA exclusively to and from Asia. Never had a problem as you describe. OK, I should have said "they are not responsible if someone forgets their card". I used 'you' as a pronoun in the general sense of any other person. The rest was a hypothetical "what if"/"even if" rant about EVA based on one flight. The "what ifs" and "even ifs" and "they will get round it" didn't happen, they are speculation. I simply expressed doubt about your hypotheses based on my experience with EVA. Their concern about the credit card holder showing up to get on the plane is real, however, and is not about fraud (reference: Mr. M. Atta). Sorry about saying "sounds like you fucked up", you hadn't. But it does sound like they were doing what they were supposed to do and you didn't like it so decided to slag them. Bit of a heavy rant for someone who only flew once with them. So the worst that happened was they wanted to see your credit card and weigh your cabin baggage. Happened to the other passengers, too, I bet. They are within their right to do so if its a full flight and most safety-minded airlines would do also. Anyway, I only had one bag to check in, so I was able to check in my carry on bag too, but I was not at all happy with the arrangement. You had to check in a second bag. You were already going to have to wait for one bag at BKK so what's the big deal? An Eva story: I arrived at the airport 2 years ago, totally fucked out having spent my last satang on the taxi. Guess what? I didn't have the 500 baht departure fee. Eva graciously paid it for me, trusting I would send it to them. Had they not done that I might still be living in a toilet stall at Don Muang. I do not own any shares in EVA. Cheers.

I think a few make good money and many just get by which is fine for the guy who isn't looking to get rich, just wants to support a Pattaya lifestyle. Quite a few bite the dust but that's business, innit?

Many airlines have the requirement about showing the credit card with which an e-ticket was purchased. None has asked me yet, except for EVA. So here again EVA differs from the norm. So how is EVA responsible if other airlines don't uphold the requirement? It is not a question of just reading instructions. Sure I have read the instructions, but what if I forget to take that card? Can easily happen. EVA is not responsible if YOU can't remember. Not their job. Even if another airline asked me to produce the card, and I say I forgot, they will get round it somehow. Really? They will make you sign another receipt, or produce another card or something like that. You know this for a fact? Have you experienced this? Imagine, Joe Blow's credit card was billed but somehow Mr. Mohamed Atta shows up at the airport. Connect the dots on that one. Only an airline that has no consideration for its customers, like EVA, will say proudly "Gotcha!" and require you to buy a full fare ticket. It is a lousy attitude and there is no defense for it. I have never experienced the "Gotcha!" attitude from EVA. Sounds like YOU fucked up and aren't mature enough to take responsibility for it.

These days many, if not most, western airports have been "privatized", ie. turned over to semi-independent airport authorities who cannot simply hit up the government for cash when they run short. It takes a lot of money to operate an airport. Many airlines don't have counter staff in the airport, the airport does the check-in etc under contract. I suspect security costs have gone up (wages for increased numbers of thick, surly dropouts to be rude to you). Airports cannot stand still there must be provision for capital expenditures as they are constantly upgrading, expanding and improving (or they should be). Fuel surcharges are usually in your fare price rather than as a tax as that's a direct airline cost. I don't like it either but its a fact of life.

Too bad. I had an idyllic 5 days there with my first TGF. I'll never forget it. Koh Chang was on its way to being fucked even then, even further down the toilet now.

for_ard, You are wrong. Read his post carefully, he is a well-known troll who lives in SoCal and wanks furiously at the doings of boardies and the Stunners thread. He is extremely adept with PhotoShop and is very clever at giving the impression he knows a lot about Pattaya. He has studied very closely the vocabulary used by BMs so as to appear "in the know". He will also try to convey the impression that he knows something about AC. Don't fall for it.

Yes, Intown is very good value. For more than a week ask for a discount, available for lower floors at the back (quiet) side. Apex not as good, many reports (me included) about bill fiddling.

Make sure the land is in order with regard to title etc. How you work the ownership is up to you BUT a good lawyer is 110% necessary. That said, take some time to find a good one as there are lots of crap ones. Most new Thai houses are built in the same way - concrete footings, concrete/rebar skeleton etc. I would want to be there for the more detailed work like plumbing, kitchen/bath, joinery, tiling etc as IMO Thais are, ahem, not known for paying attention to the fine points. Go around and look at building sites to see as much as you can. Go on your own or get an agent to take you and look at houses in different price ranges, you don't necessarily get what you pay for. As an example, I was looking to buy in Hua Hin so I went to about 10 or 11 different projects. The construction specs, methods and quality were about the same on a house for 2.5 million as it was on one for 5.5 million and the location of the 2.5 million house was better! There's a website called coolthaihouse.com (I think) that is interesting.

Judging from their postings, the successful, happy guys have also adapted well. They aren't trying to live samesame as in the west. They don't insist on falang food every day, compared to local food its expensive whether its from Tesco or in a resto. If you have cold beer in the fridge from the mini-mart there's less need to drink 10-12 a day @60-80 each in bars. If you're in the candy store you don't need or even want candy every day. It will be there tomorrow. A live-in can be found or a telephone roster built up of good performers thus avoiding the cost of LDs and barfines just to have a quick one. Forget Starbucks, buy a thermos and take a nice jug of hot or ice coffee on your walk or to the beach or pool. And why take transport along Beach Rd from soi 2 to Walking St? Unless you're in a hurry or its very late, enjoy the walk under the trees and get some exercise. Yadayada, but small stuff adds up. I know when I look at my wallet the end of the day I can account for most except about 250-300 that shrinks away on bahtbuses and such. Over a month that's 7-8000 baht for nothing I can remember.

Are they gonna get a surprise!

Do some work and use the search function, lots of info on this.

I like that!

Absolutely!!! The TG isn't going to be impressed that punterjoe is paying through the nose for a "luxury" hotel. In fact, she might be pissed off because its money not being spent on her. In that regard they have their heads screwed on right.

Just because she has 3 baht worth of gold around her neck and 6 tattoos? How dare they make such assumptions!

How can there be too much rain for someone from Seattle?????

As a gay man you will probably enjoy Jomtien, over the hill from Pattaya, 10 minutes away by bahtbus. The beach is much better - larger, cleaner, nice promenade, nice cafes & restos looking at the sea. Many gay friendly hotels/guesthouses/clubs and a less in-your-face ambience than Pattaya. Prices are samesame for food/drink/accomodation. Gay area is DongTan beach, to the right as you come down toward the sea from Pattaya.

Good choice, you won't regret it! And the guys back home won't believe your stories!

No tour. Why? 1) Pay too much 2) Their schedule, not yours (Getting up at 7am? Its a fucking holiday!) 3) Seeing what they think is important, not what you think 4) Cooped up with a bunch of people from back home 5) Seeing photos of their grandchildren ("Yes, they are cute, now bugger off".) You are on this board because you are interested in pussy, right? No disapproving looks here or snarky comments. You will meet guys when you get to LoS and have way more fun.

Best beach is at Jomtien. Take the baht bus and jump off as it gets near the sea. The beach to the right (Pattaya direction) is a good one.

3 months even better

Beach Boy, let us know where and post a pic if you can. Think you are in a good spot for the longer term as action seems to be going that way, cheaper too than wanking street. Chok dee

Your wife may not be thrilled about this choice of "winter sun break", although you will be very horny.

Saw the guvnor on Pattaya TV. Guy was too much of a "Professional Aussie" for me.

January is Chinese New Year which spans a 2-3 week period until the first few days of Feb. depending on the lunar calendar. Chinese all around the world are flying. And there are lots of them!

Tequila Reef - tasteless sludge on a plate. Suitable for arrested palates only.