torrenova

I'd second Tom on ratestogo and also try agoda. You can list by area and then whittle it down.

If you mean the VC on 2nd Road at the top of Soi Marine then avid. It is arab central. Didn't know the guys at Witherspoons had opened the rooms - must phone Pat.

Still not all sold years after starting building (not even sure if all built). Was about the cheapest place to buy at one point - maybe still is. Transport an issue unless you have your own. Baht buses will want Bt150 or so to go home. I've seen some nice photos but location, location, location. Still, it might be cheap enough rental wise to suit some. Better than stuff like the Nirun stalags anyway (what isn't ?). If interested in property sub 10k a month, get to Carrefour and their notice board. Friendship and Foodland as well. Loads there and if you are willing to pay a little e

Electric should be about 3.25 baht a unit. Knocking on 5 baht "extra" per unit could double the rent on 1000 units a month. A bit like Ebay at $0.99 but $9.99 postage.

www.ratestogo.com and www.agoda.com are proving consistently the best for me over the last 6 months (about a week a month in Bangkok). Also, some of the newer hotels, such as the Adelphi on Soi 8 will do deals and post offers on their website. Also look at the hotels / apartments / residences managed by the Aspen Group and the Compass Group.

If guest houses are trying to get Bt1000 a night ten I hope they get it because it means they are doing something right to part fools from their money. Honestly, that is like giving a bird twice what she wants for a shag.

Is that the reception at the Seaside, Tom ?

Firstly ask about monthly rates as often you'll find a break even point which is around the 20 days mark at the daily rate. That gives you some great bargaining ammunition. Ask for weekly rates as well. Armed with that information, hit the usual suspects online like www.sawadee.com etc. and whoever you see coming up on google. Areca may be on some of the places like www.thaihotediscounts.com or www.ratestogo.com or www.agoda.com I don't know. Personally I don't think it is worth BT1300 or so a night but is probably worth 20k or a bit more per month.

I think Jacko had a valid point that most jobs want her to work more hours than you would like her to and the salary is not that great. Before our sprog was born she helped out in the bars but then became more involved in the administration side and was starting a B2B business when she fell pregnant. Had a couple of maids but I think it is better for her to stay with the kid for the first few years and then perhps do something when the kid goes to school.

Check out whether it will play all DVDs, not only those you buy but those you download without having to change the format. I think the spec is DIVX or something. Bt1000 is bottom end, Bt2000 or less is adequate.

I have AXA on my truck and can make the following comments. The biggest difference to your premium is whether you have main dealer or approved repairer insurance. As anything major is likely to go to main dealer anyway and Somchai can do most small things, you can save about 30% to 40% by opting for an approved repairer. Look at your drivers. Obviously any driver is more expensive, though I am actually not sure why in Thailand as they do not seem to discount for age or experience ! Your value is likely to affect your premium only marginally. Raising our new insurance from 80% to 90

I'd go to one of the large condo complexes like View Talay and ask there if the maids would do your place on an ad hoc basis. Failing that, local bars, Thai restaurants and laundries in your area would be my starting point.

Of course Thai units are worth less than expat ones ! Thais don't want to buy second hand condos. Try phoning the Japs, they are ok to buy for the long term rental on company but often prefer shells in multiple.

It is undeniable that the overall quality at the Buffalo Bar is well down on its prime years. Why ? well I would never have promoted Sandy to be a manager. I think that was the most important mistake as her attitude is atrocious and her begging mentality is not a shining example for the other girls to follow. If you remember, the Buffalo was promoting girls dancing before this coyote bullshit and was ahead of its time. Barfines were high then at Bt400 for LT but ST was better value as it included the room. After 12am barfines fell to Bt200. I used to love the place and often visited. O

Ain't that the truth ! Strange that the loyal servants are out again to shout down any criticism yet the management and other lackys are strangely silent. I would have thought that if the management weren't interested, it wouldn't interest me enough to pro actively defend a business which I have no connection with.

NYE is way overrated all over the world. Great when very young but when you can get pissed as a fart any day of the year, NYE is just another night.

Perhaps strange though that someone finds this board yesterday when they live in Pattaya and the first post is like this. Why would someone who lives in Pattaya transfer money by bank and nt direct with the business. Sorry but until proven otherwise I say don't feed the TROLL. PS I have used Joy Travel a few times with no problems over the last X number of years.

The Savoy is ok but the pool is often freezing. They screwed with the menu at the Savoy Grill when no-one had complained for 100 years. Jacket and tie job but saddle of lamb to die for and the beef wellington great as well. Extra of either no problem. Worth every penny and you never knew who would be joining you for dinner.

Just up past the RG on Thappraya Road. Baht buses day and night. Not see n the room but often have specials and discounts. There are newer hotels on that strip of land. I guess about Bt600 a night rising to Bt800 or so. Not a place I'd consider.

The Marriott has a unique way of being right in the middle of things yet appears, once inside and poolside, to be 100 miles from the madness just metres from it's doors. I love the place, the rooms are not huge but that is not really what you are paying for.

Emailed them for details a while back but small rooms, very small in fact.

You'll not get the Marriott for anywhere near that at the moment. Unless you need a lot of hotel facilities, I could recommend the Aspen Suites on Soi 2. www.aspenbangkok.com Of course, the location may be off putting so perhaps the Bossotel over the river near the Shangri-La or that Da Vince or something boutique hotel (don't use hotel website). You could stay down in Silom to avoid the naughty nightlife.

Without even thinking I nominate La Residencia in Mallorca and the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. The Oriental in Bangkok is a thumbs down unless you like stuffy sorts of places.

OK place but a tourist trap with sometimes indifferent service and food quality at high prices. Generally safe food wise but nothing outstanding.

Used in August. Good 777 to India then chaos and a full 737 to Bangkok I think. Was 50% of others at that time. Food on 777 was excellent. Ground experience was appalling but saving £500 ?