RhinoTusk

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.

The Alamo Bar on Soi 8 is a great place to talk with American tourists and expats, although everyone is welcome there.

I've used Priceline many times in the US & Asia, and have usually paid around half-price for 5 star accomodations in Bangkok and Singapore. Some things to consider are the no cancellation policy, and breakfast is not included. The bookings are good for two people. Two years ago, I was staying at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Westin, JW Marriott, and Shangr-La for $65-$80 USD per night, including taxes and fees. However, I don't believe those kind of deals are available currently.

Try these links http://www.asiatradingonline.com/apartments.htm http://splash.handii.com/thailand_apartments.htm

I've stayed at the Penthouse Hotel for 4 days in room 518, the Patpong Party Suite. Jacuzzi, mirrored ceiling, love swing, dance podium, soft lighting, dvd and cd stereo system. Good location, but can be noisy. Cost was about 2500/night, as I recall. It was fun to try out once, but don't think I'd stay there again.

Illinois is a very talented team, so much so that they've only played one game all season decided by less than 5 points, which they lost. Makes them highly suspect if anyone besides Ohio State can take them to the wire.

I went there last summer for 2 days for much the same reason. Must say I'm glad I didn't plan for any longer, not a real happening place for a tourist. Stayed at the Sofitel, quite comfortable for about 1800, as I recall. Some decent bars in the basement of the hotel, you may want to check out the disco even if you don't stay at the hotel, nice lighting system and plenty of cute university girls. Also went to Violin Karaoke, but someone told me it's closed now. There's also a karaoke bar in the basement of the Sofitel.

Go Univ of Wisconsin-Milwaukee! Dropped football 30 years ago when I was a junior, now in the sweet 16. Illinois is the next match-up. Why not? Go Univ. Wisconsin-Madison, too. Let's see an all-Wisconsin final. Cheese rules!

I've stayed at the Penthouse about 18 months ago, in the Patpong Party Suite, room 518 I believe. Mirrored ceilings, jacuzzi, dance podium, love swing, balcony, dvd and stereo system, for about 2500. It was nice to try out for a 4 day stay, but a bit pricy and I don't think I'd stay there again. I've stayed at RG three times, but prefer a better location.