Scruffy

This thread is in the wrong forum...it might suit "General Pattaya Discussion" better. While Irishman poses a good question, there are some bars in Pattaya that make money for their owners, else they wouldn't stay in business for year after year. My information is out-of-date, but as recently as 2001 you could get a small beerbar for about US$15k, and a small gogo for US$75k. Of course, that's just the inital purchase price, you should figure on the same amount again for startup costs and a cash-flow cushion. Here are some additional questions to ask yourself before investing: 1) Have you ever owned and operated your own business? 2) Have you ever owned, operated/managed a bar in your own country? 3) Are you married to a Thai national? If the answer to any of the above is "no", then save yourself some aggravation. By all means, reside in Pattaya (wish I could!) but find some other way of making a living.

Thanks Gabor...added your site to my Pattaya links page.

Thanks Smitty and Pat...

hoppalong, If the Amari Orchid was in your price range, than you should have no trouble finding similar properties much closer to the action. In central area, the Pattaya Marriott has become much more receptive to allowing overnight visitors in their registered guests rooms. http://www.scruffysdustycloset.com/PMHotel...l/marriott.html For South Pattaya and FLB Bar, try the Siam Bayshore. It's one step down from Amari, but a good quality place anyway. They require ID Check's for first-time visitors, as does the Marriott. http://www.scruffysdustycloset.com/BYHotel...l/bayshore.html

I use the route you mention from Tampa, getting into LAX on Delta around 10pm, then catch the 1:20 am EVA flight to TPE/BKK. You'll have no problem...the Delta terminal at LAX is the closest to the International terminal. When you exit the Delta terminal, simply turn left and walk about 300 yards to the international terminal. Checking baggage isn't the real problem, its the security checkpoint where the real bottlenecks occur. They won't let you into the departure area more than a couple hours before your flight time, so an earlier arrival doesn't buy you much. I heartily endorse Angel Travel...very reliable. DO pay the extra for EVA Economy Deluxe...its well worth it. It's also much better arriving in BKK at noon than at midnight!

Didn't realize there was another "AA" hotel on Soi 13. I stayed at the old one in November 2001, and walked up and down that Soi many times without seeing it. I do remember the Golden Crab being on that side, but must have missed AA Residence.

Or the Residence Garden/Suites in South Pattaya? If its the AA you want info about, click on the link below. If its either of the Residence serviced apartels, check around FLB website for special offers and reviews. http://www.scruffysdustycloset.com/hotels.html

If you want to see some photos of a typical deluxe room there, click on the link below, then select "Diamond Beach Hotel" under Pattaya section. http://www.scruffysdustycloset.com/hotels.html