DSBones

I am fortunate enough to have worked in Asia (Philippines & Taiwan) for the last 6-7 years. My current job is just like working for a western civil service which means I can get over to Thailand once a month if I want. I am an engineer so I am confident that there will always be work available to me in Asia for as long as I want it. I am 38 and my plans are to buy as much property in the UK as I can afford by the time I am 50 & then semi retire in Thailand using the rental income as my pension. Absolutely no plans to 'invest' in any business in Thailand - way too risky. I reckon $20k

For holiday reading Stephen Leather or John Grisham. Stephen Leathers stuff is getting better with every book. Some of his earlier books were a little contrived but I have just read one about people smuggling & eastern european mafia which was informative & easy to read. I met Mr. Leather very briefly at Jools on Soi 4 about 6 months ago & he was a thoroughly down-to-earth bloke - no different to 90% of the guys on this board. In a funny way, I am glad I like his books. It's the same when you meet a footballer..much better if the bloke is a decent person you then tend to defend t

I was in the US a couple of years back & it was just like I had wandered onto the set of "Jeux sans frontieres" - European It's a Knockout for the non(cunni?) linguists. I spent all my time looking round for Stuart Hall & Eddie Waring and damsels at the top of well oiled ramps waiting to be rescued by these bloody great lumbering walls of lard who were stumbling around bumping into each other whilst trying to keep their liquid in the container ready for Arthur Ellis's dipstick. Apologies to the non-UK brethren..I got carried away there and strayed somewhat off topic. Americans =

I get all my contact lenses from Thailand (either BKK or Pattaya). In Pattaya I use the opticians in the Royel Garden Mall (ground floor LHS as you come in from 2nd rd.) They may not be the cheapest but they are convenient for me and you are only talking a difference of a 100bt for a months supply. I use the disposable throw away ones. There are normally two well known manufacturers and both are ok for my eyes (I have a low prescription). I choose whichever is in stock. The eye test in the UK uses a different definition of blindness than Thailand & you may end up with the wrong lenses.

I got the short straw on the RG rate. My usual hotel is fully booked (29 Dec - Jan2) & a quick search & a few e-mails suggested that other hotels were the same. I didn't want to wait for a cancellation so I e-mailed the RG direct. Theywere pretty efficient and I have a room but at full rate (2500Bt). A few days later I joined this board on BigD's recommendation. Wish I had done so sooner! I have been looking at the RG with a view to a long term stay so this is the ideal opportunity to test the water. Location for me is fine. 2 mins on a Baht bus, 10 min walk. Don't fancy the last 100m

Without knowing enough about your travel plans it's difficult to offer specific advice. I would suggest 2-3 days in BKK (around Sukhumvit 4-22) Day trips to Grand Palace & Ayutthaya (that should keep you off the streets during the day). Night trips to Nana Plaza & Soi Cowboy ( I like soi 33 myself, but it's not to everyone's taste). Taxi to Pattaya (if you are travelling light or feeling confident then get the bus..it's not as scary as you may think) If you take a fancy to a TG then let her show you round..there are a few places to see but I would only recommend with a TGF in tow,