Bazle

All very well getting a refund but how will you get a replacement ticket at the same price?

I've read that the Americans think the opposite, and have complained that the Baht is being artificially held down.

That's surprising. Who made up for the Chinese? Maybe the Indians?

As of a few minutes ago:

I arrived at Swampy at about 3.40 pm yesterday. There was a man holding a board with my name on it at the end of the gangway. He took me to the Fast Track Immigration counters. I didn't have to queue. The fingerprinting was easy and quick - but the instructions were in English, so I'm not sure everyone will regard them as straightforward. I didn't have hold luggage, so I'm not sure if the guy would have stayed to make sure such luggage arrived. As I might have guessed, I gained very little by paying for this service: neither of the regular Immigration areas was particularly busy

Are you sure about that Teelack? From memory, at the top of Soi 2 is Siam@Siam hotel on one side, and a soapy massage place on the other.

In case you don't know, AIS have moved from the Basement level of Central Festival to (I think) the 3rd floor where many other tech shops are located. I'll be interested to know how you get on. The condo management where I am will, apparently, start charging for the communal wi-fi at some unspecified time in the future, so I, too, will be looking to tether my phone.

Ditto me. And I'm dreading the day when there is efficient wi-fi - everyone around will be jabbering!

Well, I hope they do as I've just booked them! Will let you know in about 10 days.

This seems the alternative to BFS: https://www.limousine.in.th/fasttrack.php

Are you aware of the probable construction noise at The Base? They are building new towers next to The Base, on the corner of Soi Diana and Second Road. The demolition work is over, but I still expect it to be noisy for months to come.

..... or more temples and beaches. ?

Sorry, I know nothing about the hotel itself but it's certainly not in a location I would choose.

Yes, interesting.

I'll wave to you going in the opposite direction! ☺️

Durian Fruit Festival - 15 to 19 May http://www.thailandexhibition.com/TradeShow-2019/17717 Preparations being made this afternoon at Central Festival:

The town is quiet, and the weather dull, so my guess is that it didn't get very busy. But I can't say for sure as I didn't go back.

The Festival has been taking place over this weekend - from Friday until today - on Beach Road, with food stalls for most of the way from Hard Rock to Soi 2. The pictures below were taken this afternoon, very overcast with a sprinkling of rain. It would be more accurate to call it a food festival rather than a seafood festival because, I reckon, more than half the stalls were not selling seafood. There were some music events on the beach.

You need to loosen your chastity belt!

I think Butch realises that. Hence his story was not illustrated (thankfully!).

But the ceremonies are not!

Strange - it was flowing as normal mid-afternoon when I walked along it. I believe it is closed tomorrow from 8am to (?) 6pm.

I see your point! ☺️ I guess I was reading the announcement as meaning Beach Road, rather than just the beach. That's probably because, somewhere, I read that Beach Road will be closed.

Where did you see that?

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattaya-to-celebrate-coronation-may-6-on-beach-253940 "Pattaya invites residents who can’t make it to Bangkok to celebrate the coronation of HM the King on the beach. Banglamung District Chief Amnart Charoensri and Pattaya officials met with police and cultural leaders May 2 to plan the May 6 gathering on Pattaya Beach at Central Road. The rally is a chance for Thais to bless the new king and demonstrate loyalty, plus learn about the ancient coronation traditions. Beach Road will be closed during the proceedings. The ceremony will begin at 3