RhinoTusk

I stayed in Room 518, the Patpong Party Suite for 3 days. I believe the room rate was about 2500/night. No bugs, as frequently reported in the cheaper rooms. The room has a dance podium, love swing, jacuzzi,and mirrored ceiling. The girls I brought up weren't exactly thrilled to see the podium, but YMMV. At least it was good to turn on it's flashing lights for an additional light source (the red room lights are very dim). Jacuzzi was nice for having a girl give you a bath. Awoke about 4 AM from thumping noises from the next room. In the morning, my bar girl said she couldn't sleep because of 'ghosts'. Breakfast served until 2PM, but is poor quality. I don't think I'd care to stay there again, but it was fun to try out.

Check this whopper: a 646 pound catfish Record Catfish Catch in Northern Thailand

Saw him there last weekend. As Paul Simon used to sing, "He's still crazy, after all these years."

I've also stayed at the Orchard Hotel, and would recommend it. Rooms are small, but nicely appointed. Good location, very close to Thai Embassy makes it good for a visa run. Across from Orchard Towers made it very good for mongering. I booked via Priceline.com in Feb 05, and paid about $55 USD.

I stayed at View Talay for a few months on a month-by-month basis. Utility costs for one month in a studio ran about 1000 baht. I had to pay a 1 month deposit, which was refunded when I vacated. The monthy rent was 9000, and I had a nice view from the 14th floor.

I booked Siam Bayshore for a week about 2 years ago, and was very sorry. 800 baht joiner fee every night, tried to sneak girls in different ways, but they have workers patrolling the grounds everywhere. Otherwise a decent hotel, but would never stay there again because of the joiner fee.

Has anybody ever been asked by Thai Immigration to 'show me the money?'

Sat & Sunday. 1-4 PM at the Beefeater: ribs, chicken, and make your own tacos for 199. Montien has great buffets, but not cheap. Captain's corner also good, for 299++ Also. there's an Indian buffet across the street from Camelot hotel for 189

I paid about 1900 for the Sofitel. Excellent hotel, great value for the price, good location, micro-brewery, karaoke club, and cool disco in the basement level. Just google 'sofitel khon kaen'

I think there's a project to link up several reservoirs to relieve the severe water shortage, so much of the labor is diverted. Having water is a bit higher priority than filling holes. Pattaya is never going to be esthetically pleasing anyway. Just don't get too smashed and fall in

I believe JetStar Asia and ValueAir are merging. I've flown both JetStar Asia and AirAsia to Singapore, both for about 3200 RT, and JetStar was far better. New Airbus A318s (still had the 'new car smell', in fact). Backed by Quantis, so aircraft fleet is well maintained by competent mechanics. Conversely, AirAsia has a very poor on-time record, uses old 737s, and are independents. Unless a significant price difference, I would always choose JetStar Asia. I'm flying AirAsia to Udon later this month, for 99 baht each way (plus taxes), but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

I paid 800 baht joiner fee at the Siam Bayshore 2 years ago. Seem to recall that someone posted it's 1000 now.

Games are much better in person. Breaks are designed to allow for lots of inspection of cheerleaders on the sidelines. Besides, who wants to watch a 0-0 tie?

For a great steak, but at a price to match, try the New York Steakhouse at the JW Marriott on Sukhumvit in Bangkok.

I once clicked on a web banner to download some cute smilies. In addition, it included a toolbar for my browser ("My Web Search"), or something like that, that installed itself. It effectively blocked access to google and yahoo, trying to force the user to use their search engine. Fortunately, however, it also included an uninstall program. Use caution downloading 'free' smilies or screen savers.

Can't recommend the steaks at sizzler, seem overpriced for the quality. But do go there for the salad bar, I usually order the pork chops.

I ate there about a month ago, and also had dinner across the street about 2 weeks ago. Still open for business then.

Also must factor in AirAsia flight delays, with their very poor on-time record.

The IT center is on South Pattaya Rd between 2nd & 3rd roads, it's a 6 story building and software is on the 5th floor, as I recall.

The Pattaya Marriott also has a small cigar shop, but with a more limited selection. You can also pick up a fine cigar at either New Orleans or Hugo's restaurants to top-off your meal.

Stopped by the Cigar Shop on 2nde road yesterday for a Monticristo No. 1, for 660 baht. Great selection, cute girls, reasonable prices.

I stayed there for 4 days 2 years ago, in room 518 the Patpong Party Suite. For about 2500/night, dance podium, love swing, cd stereo, jacuzzi, mirrored ceiling, dim red lights (don't plan on any reading). I though it was OK to try out once, but don't think I'll ever stay there again. Overpriced, in my opinion, but at least I didn't encounter any roaches.

With internet connection packs, be aware that there is a usage fee associated with using the nationwide 1222 number. I was expecting to pay just the 5 baht connection charge for each session, then was suprised when my landlord asked for 4000 baht after 3 months of use. It seemed to amount to about 8-10 baht per hour, in addition to the cost of the package (329 for each 30 days), still much cheaper than internet cafes.

Agree the UA Red Carpet Lounge at Narita is great. In fact, I choose a 6 hour layover over a 2 hour layover just so I could watch CNN there while consuming a half bottle of scotch. And the automated beer dispenser is something to see, with an extra spout just for the head.

They added ESPN last week (channel 53), just in time for the nba basketball finals.