Lancashirelad

That's an approprtiate avatar for talk of a crack down ;-) Qwert06

I'm definately with the bus brigade. Why spend 1200bht to sit bored to death, alone, in a taxi. When for 100 bht 'ish you to chat to nice Thai people? I many times used to get the train from Don Muang to Hua Lampong. TEN baht! MRT + BTS to Ekamia. Or taxi 100bht to Mochit. Then shared baht bus with other new arrivals (& returning girls;-)) to go hotel. Interesting fun journey. Who was that famous traveler/explorer that said, "Its not the arriving, its the journey" or similar?

That sounds like the book named "My name Lon, you like me"? an (allegedly)true story written by Derek Sharron. ISBN 974-92721-5-3 I have it here on my book shelf. So can only assume the same story must have been written under differing titles? Whilst on the subject of books, for any of you considering, or indeed already in, a more serious relationship with a lovely Thai Lady: I heard about, bought & read a book called "Thailand Fever" a road map for Western/Thai relations. It is truly excellent. Written, if my memory serves by an American man & his Thai female partner. It

Have just completed a round trip with China air 2 days ago. Leg room in economy was reasonable. No seat back videos. Plane clean. More or less on schedule, though horrendous ex BKK time of 02.45hrs. via Amsterdam, KLM connection to MAN. SERVICE: rushed, impersonal & very dangerous! Trolley dolleys walking backwards up the isles carrying hot tea/coffee etc. Only needs a trip on a stray blanket or something & they're on their back with the hot drink pot ontop of them. Very very silly! Also, you don't see them approaching & by the time you've realised what's on offer they're g

Sonars, I'm glad you made that post as, reading the thread the terrible state/frequent obstructions of the Pattaya pavements/side walks was in my mind & I was thinking that Willy should be made aware. That said, during my last trip I saw several guys in chairs. Perhaps worth remembering that often an access to a building with many steps, will have a different access that's level. i.e. Royal Garden Plaza from 2nd road is level. Willy, the worst that could happen, is that you give up in disgust after a couple of attempts to explore & finish up sitting by the pool all day. Ev

My budget is 2300 bht/day inc. room. (a £ grand a month) 3000 would be more comfortable. My outgoings at home whilst i'm not here are also close on a grand a month. (Thats about $1,700 for you non sterling guys) I always have a room with a view. I drink, sensibly (certainly not 15 bottles a night as i'd quite like my liver to last as long as I do) Buy lady drinks. Maybe 3 LT girls a week. Occasional Go Go stunners. Food varies day by day from 50 bht at Maccy D's upto 300 bht eat all you can buffet. Occasional full English breakfast. Bar tips, girl tips, etc. Not stingy, just careful.

1. Don't lick pussy 2. No ice in drinks 3. DO NOT leave air con on all night. Stick to those 3 basic rules & you should be ok. .........now if only i was able to practise what i preach....have come away from Thailand with terrible bronchial infections 2 out of the last 3 trips, both times i have left the aircon on all night just ONE time!

What a lovely post Ken, you sound truly contented. It is most interesting to note that you chose Thailand after having visited/worked in/become familiar with so many other countries. I visited Thailand on my once-in-a-life time 6 month round the world trip back in 2002/03. It was so many years between deciding to do the trip & actually going, i totally forgot why the pin was in the world map on the wall in Thailand, so i just went anyway. The ONLY reason I went to Pattaya was because i'd heard an old friend had a restaurant/bar business there. (& I did find him) I had absolutel

Obviously this could be subject to change again before the date, but as at the moment the Etihad ex LGW a.m. flight on 11 Jan 06 (& probably dates around there) the aircraft on the LGW-Abu Dhabi leg has been replaced by a hired in ex charter old shed. This is due to a delay in arrival of new aircraft on order & apparently connected with the Boeing strike earlier this year.

Should be good deals around for these months: low season...rainy season. Take umbrella.

always mention proposed dates & how much flexibility on them when asking about flights. Prices vary a lot depending on time of year & whether it is high, shoulder, or low season in LOS.

Much, much cheaper & possibly more interesting way to get from Pattaya to Samui is by overnight sleeper train. Stop at Sura Thani & get big bus or mini bus to ferry, then baht bus. Various classes on the train from open plan fan, (very, very little money) to private 2 berth air con. (very cold!) Good restaurant/bar on board & cabin service. PM me if you need more info.

Maybe you should read about the penalties involved for importing raw meat products to many countries. Think its on the customs declaration form you fill in onboard the aircraft before arrival...the one where you should declare your own camera etc. Then make your own mind up.

best tip i can give you............ just take it easy on the booze. Don't drink in the day time. Don't start too early in the eves. Pace yourselves. Go home (hotel) before you make a spectacle/pratt of yourselves. Drink a lot of water. Remember if you feel thirsty, its too late, your body is already suffering from dehydration. Might sound like a fatherly lecture BUT the upside is, not only will you have an ace time, BUT you will also remember it!

spot on farman....... & indeed good can be found for less. (see my one & only BKK hotel review) + don't forget at the more upmarket gaffs in BKK you will be charged a joiners fee of +/- 1k bht.