RhinoTusk

Steve Buscemi

For desert, I had a Santa Belly from Krispy Kreme ? Could have done without that.

...back on topic When I lived in View Talay 6 I would frequently do the weekend buffet at Beefeaters. Don't do buffets anymore, but thought I'd do this again for the nostalgia. Last time it was 195 baht but that was 10 years ago, now 345. They used to have decent ground beef for the tacos, now it's more like powered beef (just add water). The sour cream is gone but they still offer some grated local cheese. BBQ chicken is now the mini-drumsticks, but the ribs were OK. I didn't go back for seconds and won't be doing this again. I found better tacos at the new food court behind the McDonalds in Central Festival. These 3 chicken tacos (2 hard,1 soft) were 190 baht.

I think it was nearly full, and there were four elevators, so not really a problem.

LK President represents good value in an accommodation IMHO. The building is only a couple years old, you get a large room with a nice view, HBO and two Cinemax channels, they do have a pool (I haven’t tried it), and the room rate is one-half of the Hard Rock Hotel and one-third of the Wave Hotel, the other two properties reviewed in this thread. I’ll probably stay there again my next visit, I think it’s better than Areca Lodge, for a slightly lower rate.

Came down to Pattaya for Christmas, been a long time since I spent Christmas ? in Pattaya. I had to ditch the mask ? after a few hours, I was the only farang wearing one. Most people are wearing masks in Bangkok, so I was accustomed to wearing one in public. It felt like the first shave after a full beard. Again, stayed at LK President on Third Road at Soi Pothole/Soi Lengkee. It's beginning to be my GoTo place, based upon value and location. Biggest problem is crossing Third Road, which can be very dangerous depending on time of day. There's no median so it can seem like standing between high speed trains moving opposite directions. (I think there's a term to describe that but I can't think of it) ?. They really need a traffic light ?, but there won't be one until someone is run over ?. My objective is to make sure it isn't me. The view from Soi Lengkee Nighttime view, looks like the hotel may be fully booked. My view from the balcony, lower floor this time That's not my Porsche SUV parked in front. Buffalo Bar and Castle, I think that caters to S/M, were a block away but didn't go there. Haven't been in Buffalo Bar ? in nearly twenty years and didn't even realize it was still around. On the doorstep of Soi Pothole. There may not be the best looking girls, but they're very polite. High Rollers have a good happy hour, probably another ten years before I venture into Maggy May's again. Triangle bar also had live music Wide-angle view of the "Triangle" ? Soi Bouchao very quiet in the early morning, gets progressively more busier as the day goes on. I took a stroll down to Walking Street. Road construction on Second Road make the hike easier. ? Walking Street looked great, lit up like a Christmas tree. I visited Fahrenheit, Club Electric Blue, Sapphire, Pin-Up, Palace, Baccara, Sensations, Xs, Windmill Club , and Dollhouse. Like old times, I was fortunate to get a seat in Palace at 9:30 on a weekday, and Pin-Up and Baccara each had a few stunners. Looked like a massive mismatch in the Ring On Soi LK Metro, I visited Kink, Lady Love, Showgirls, Crystal, Champagne, Pulse, Sugar Sugar, Queen, and Paradise. The hottest girl I saw all week was #194 at Lady Love ?. She told me her bar fine was 1700, and she only went short time. Unfortunately I was too mao to fully enjoy her talents so I passed, although I'll wager she was worth it. Added her to my 2Do list. Walk down to Kung's on Soi Lengkee for breakfast, the small one is just 109 baht. ? Someone came by actively vlogging ? while I was having breakfast, I could hear his baritone voice from across the street, it was that chocolate ? man. Healthy breakfast at Irish Rovers, fruit and yogurt with muesli ? Americanized version of the baht buster, 129 baht Dinner at Patrick's in the Kiss Arcade, 250 g Nebraska tenderloin. ? I enjoyed it so much I went back and had another, this time with baked potato. ? Topped off with Creme Brulee and sobered-up with Irish Coffee ☘️☕ Took a walk through the Made In Thailand market, looked like newly tiled floors. A visit to Pattaya wouldn't be complete without Soi 6 Perched out at Ruby Club There were lots of sweet, young things to play with and the short-time rooms were still 350. Later I found out Santa put coal in my stocking. Some lunch at Terminal 21 before heading back home to Bangkok for NYE. I could tell how much things were back to full swing by the long lines at the Bus Station ? Happy Holidays! ⛄

I have a theory that the Loch Ness monster was actually an Asian Water Moniter transplanted from Southeast Asia by a merchant seaman. There was only one so it couldn’t reproduce, but people saw it and thought WTF? Mystery Solved. BTW, I’ve been to Loch Ness in 1989, didn’t see any monitors.

Lol. Yes most in Bangkok wear masks voluntarily. I do too, so I don’t look like a tourist. ?

I thought so too, but I resize all my photos with FastStone anyway

It was unseasonably cool ❄️ yesterday, so I went for a walk in the park. I took the Z6 ? with one lens, a 28-300 mm (for some reach) which I used through the FTZ adapter. There were lots of people in the park, with food and crafts. It was the Red Cross Fair ??????? I guess that explains the shooting range This guy passed out from exhaustion ? The children were playing A lot was happening in the lake The Monitor Monsters were out in full force This guy kept laughing at me. I don't know what was so funny. This guy made the catch of the day ? He started to get pissed off the birds were attempting to steal his meal as soon as he looked away. But he was willing to share with his buddies This one started to come after me, so I got the hell out. You don't want to mess with these guys! ? It was a nice afternoon to spend in the park. After that, I tried a new fusion restaurant called "The Spotted Pig" ?, across the street between the MRT stations Here are the salmon tacos ? Quesidella with a cold Corona. It was a pleasant Sunday before heading over to Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. Cheers.

I took a walk down Soi 11 yesterday, my old neighborhood. I took along the Nikon ZfC, my street photography camera, and everyone thought I was a tourist. ? I knew it was only a matter of time before "Happy" Pizza ? ? came to town. I haven't ventured up to the 5th floor lounge yet, I've been trying to watch my weight. Everywhere you look, more dispensaries are opening. This is a new and emerging market with modest entry costs, so many players are testing the waters. Eventually it will reach market saturation and the less savvy will fall by the wayside. This is how the free market works, in all it's glory. I'm already beginning to see prices starting to drop because of competition, so support your local 'budtender' if you're inclined, it's free market capitalism in action. There have been some recent changes outlawing cannabis trucks, smoking lounges, online advertising, etc. I took a look when the ordinance took effect and all the cannabis trucks were gone, only to reappear a week later, although about half as many. Evidently, "arrangements" ? were made. The beer bar area on the former location of the Cheap Charlie cul de sac has filled in nicely, serving food and drink with ladies to provide company if you wish. I would walk down this lane, past the Park Hotel, as a shortcut to the Soi 7 Beer Garden. Now it's all filled in. You can go back and review the thread to see how it looked before. Unfortunately, many of the older photos were 'shrunken' from a forum software upgrade. The images are still the same size on disk, only the HTML needs correction. I took a table in back and ordered a large Heineken. I asked the waiter if it was OK if I smoked. Venturing further up the Soi we see some old favorites as well as some new businesses. Haven't seen this place before, will have to try their quiche A new fast food burger place, there are now many options for a burger near the Soi 11 'T' They still haven't fixed the unsightly wires The view from "The T" Looks like a reopening of the Chilli Culture restaurant is coming soon, it's about time! Chaidee Mansion has expanded and taken over what was a Middle Eastern restaurant next door. I inquired about Chidee Mansion when I moved into the neighborhood (10 years ago) and couldn't believe how pricey it was, but I think I know why. It's a comfortable place where you get a clean shot to Bumrungrad Hospital in an ambulance ? any time of the day without having to worry about being stuck in traffic. Great location for those on medical tourism. Insanity Nightclub The sign says "We Are Open" No, they're not. Here's a new bar. Firehouse burger restaurant used to occupy this space. Plant Pioneers, another new business. This is a vegan restaurant, it has nothing to do with ganja (and you can see my reflection in the mirror). Lastly, Villa Market, where I did most of my grocery shopping (back when it was located next to the Ambassador Hotel). One thing that draws me to the area now is the pig roast every Saturday at the Old German Beer House, starting 4 PM. They offer small (215 baht) and large (395 baht) plates, with sauerkraut and fried potatoes. This is the small plate, all I can handle. Alternately, the Old German Beer House over on Soi 13 has the same offer on Fridays. The advantage of the Soi 13 restaurant is they have Paulander Oktoberfest, a seasonal brew that I really enjoy. I don't understand why they don't have it on Soi 11. Top off the meal with an ice cold Jägermeister Thanks for joining me for this stroll down Sukhumvit Soi 11. Hope you enjoyed it. Cheers.

I remember receiving a new extension and, since I gave my address, I assumed it reset the 90 days count, but then I had to pay a 2000 baht fine the next time for being late. I can’t do them online because my entrance card is from 2011 and not in their database so I use registered mail. I’m thinking of making a trip over to Angkor Wat just to get a new TM6, I haven’t been outside the Kingdom in over a decade.

I came back to town again this month to collect social security. What a difference a few months makes. It seems every empty storefront has become a cannabis shop and with the renewed economic activity it doesn't look like a bombed-out disaster zone anymore. Ganja Station, the new Believe It or Not exhibit at the Royal Garden Plaza WTF? There are even cannabis vending machines. This one on Walking Street. I stayed at the Hard Rock Resort again but the novelty has worn off after two visits. A different mural on each floor They have some nice memorabilia, but after you've seen it once I don't see the point unless your interested in the pool. I booked the room with breakfast included, it was only 140 baht more. For dinner, I went to Patricks again. They're featuring a 250g grain-fed Nebraska tenderloin. I enjoyed it so much, I went back again On my way to Walking Street I stopped at TQ1, haven't been in there in a decade. Six girls asked for a lady drink while I was having my beer, I think it'll be another decade before I go back. Another place I hadn't been in for a decade was the Hops Microbrewery. Don't know why it's been so long, food is good and so is the beer, although not inexpensive. It didn't seem like the restaurant has changed since my last visit, even the same Tom Jones music videos were playing. On Walking Street, I visited Baccara, Palace, Sensations, Pinup, and Fahrenheit Street theater is back Here's a guy firing off some rounds from a BB gun while another guy is rolling doobies Took a break from the action. The best looker of the night was in Baccara After the Hard Rock, I moved over to the LK President, a tower at the end of Soi Lenkee. The building is only a few years old and a large room goes for less than half the price of the Hard Rock. 27 stories, don't know the tallest building in Pattaya, I lived in View Talay 6 which is 27 stories (minus 13th). I'm on the 43rd floor in Bangkok. A place I really like for breakfast is Kungs, homemade sausages. Here's the small breakfast, 109 baht including coffee, about all I want in the morning For lunch, it's the Lamb roast at Robin's Nest Soi Pothole, day and night Soi Buakhao Walking down Soi Honey, and a cutie says, "massage, 800 baht". Well, she's a cutie, but 800 is too steep, then she says "includes blow job". Can't pass that up. The hottest girl at LK Metro was at Lady Love. She was the only dancer not wearing a number, I assumed not bar fineable. Her legs were too hot ?to allow out of the bar. Made a visit to Soi 6 on my way to the bus station, always very quiet in the late morning and early afternoon Breakfast at the Queen Vic Pint of Becks and a Jägermeister Just when I thought I'd found a place in Pattaya without cannabis, I came across this vending machine LOL Ruby Club still my favorite on Soi 6 Off to the bus station and back home to Bangkok A few more scenes from around town, hope you enjoyed this journal. Cheers

This blogger discusses the future of train travel in Thailand and has some drone footage of the new tracks around Hua Hin

It took a long time but the 3rd class fare was only 44 baht

A new dual track rail between Bang Sue Grand Station and Hua Hin is set to open this year that will cut travel time in half. I’ve taken that route three times and it takes forever, like 5-6 hours. This is a welcome relief. https://www.huahintoday.com/local-news/new-dual-track-train-line-in-hua-hin-to-open-this-year-2-5-hour-journey-time-to-bangkok/

It was OK but nothing special IMHO. I preferred the Daniel Thaiger burger but they closed at that location.

I took a walk up Soi 11 last night, hungry for a burger. I usually visit Bang Bang Burger but wanted to try Artisan Burger next door this time. It was Tuesday but the Soi was alive. The bar area was doing some decent business. Food and drink were available Samsonite was asking about Ava Bar. I've never been in there, but Hillary 3 appears to be doing much better. A few years ago, Soi 11 was like a block party every night with VW Cocktail Vans parked up and down the Soi. (Just look back in the thread). Well, the vans are back now but they're not selling cocktails. It seems natural selling cannabis from the back of a VW Minibus. This guy wasn't displaying prices. When I inquired, he stated 1,000/gram. I said I'd think about it, and he immediately came down to 600/gram, then it was "make me an offer". There were some nice looking imported strains They call this van the mobile "Stoner Factory" El Gaucho Argentinean Steak House is open again on Soi 11, after being closed more than two years. I'm glad it's back, now I know where to go for my birthday. Finally, the Artisan Burger (280 baht), with a Pale Ale More often I've been dining at the German Beer House (on Soi 13). Bratwurst with sauerkraut and fried potatoes, with a Krombacher Pils. They also feature creamy potato salad as a side. Always good to top off a meal with a Jägermeister, 129 baht during happy hour. Down the hatch. Cheers.

Most people there were for the vaccine. After they close the center next week there will hardly be anyone using the station. This guy put a nice vlog together

Vending machines and empty spaces, but I only saw the ground level, There are 4.

Yes, you can choose which one you want. I went with Pfizer because that’s what I had last time (6 months ago). The arm is a little sore today, same as before.

Thanks. You have another week to go there and get vaxed. LOL. For free!

Just opened last summer, at a cost of 15 billion baht, the largest railway station in southeast Asia, with 26 platforms. Although it's been open for a while, there's not much happening there. Bang Sue Grand Station replaces the existing Hua Lamphong rail station, which is over a century old. It was initially announced that Hua Lamphong would close at the end of last year but now looks to be in operation for at least two more years. I wonder if people are just nostalgic and they don't want to leave. There's talk of eventually turning it into a museum, which I think is an excellent idea. In Paris, they converted an abandoned railroad station into Musée d'Orsay, displaying post-impressionist paintings, and it works extremely well IMHO. Plenty of ticket booths. Empty waiting room My reason for coming today is their offering free walk-in covid vaccinations, but only until the end of the month. Of course, I could pay 1300 at a clinic, up to me. Thank you, Thai taxpayers! The vaccination center seems to be where most of the action is now at Bang Sue Grand Station, and they're not very busy either. I thought nearing the end of the month there would be larger numbers. The vaccination center was divided into separate Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, and Moderna camps, with a common area for observation. The 30 minute observation was the only wait. They had far higher capacity than demand. They were selling souvenir vaccination T-shirts, 350 baht Afterwards, I went to look for a food court and found a small one in the corner without many options. So I went over to the old tracks outside where some mom-and-pop places are. A plate of pad thai, 45 baht And finally, back to the MRT. They have an underground tunnel connecting the station same at Hua Lamphong. I hope Bang Sue Grand Station will be utilized more, after the vaccination station closes it'll be the emptiest building in town.

I sometimes went there for breakfast when I lived in VT6. They always had sports on, I think I heard the owner was a wrestler from Ohio State. They had good breakfasts, and Steak Night on the Weber grill. Good location next to Devils Den.