Sailfast

Don't pay attention to negative comments. This is the place to come and ask questons (even though some members just come here to whine and flame.) I have flown the Thai JFK - BKK route twice since it started. I have never been in premium, but, looked into it on each trip. I'm going from memory here so I could be wrong: The premium eco. have laptop power and economy does not. I think (not sure) that the food is the same as first class so you might be getting a better meal. The seats also "look" more comfortable as far as cushions. I have sat in one just to check it out and it felt more comfortable, but I was not in that seat for 17 hrs so I can't be sure. I have had opportunities to purchase the upgrade on almost every flight from JFK to BKK but always had a decent aisle seat so I declined. If they have extra seats, they often offer the upgrade for $200US each way. I have only had this offer at JFK, never at BKK. In fact I asked once at BKK and they said they could not do it from BKK, only JFK offers this. If you are refering to the JFK to BKK direct flight, I can tell you this about it: 17 hrs direct is a blessing. I think there is less jet lag direct. The airbus is a work of art. The seats (eco) are not that comfortable, but, I have sat on much worse for longer. The food is OK. The booze is free. The service is wonderful. Movies/on demand TV is pretty good.

LOL... just so long as it's subtle Put me down for three Team US players. The Catz open is questionable because we might be on Samui by then, but, hopefuly we can work it out. I will PM you with the names and details as soon as I get it all sorted out. As for the club rentals, I want the EXACT SAME SET I had last time. This way when I play like shit (again) I can blame you. Sailfast (All kidding aside, the club rentals where great!)

We arrive in Pattaya Nov. 1 and depart on Nov. 7 Not sure about golf aside from the RideHer Cup but keep me posted and I will pass along the info to my traveling companions. If shirts are provided, may I suggest a simple polo w/ a logo? Those shirts from last year are a bit on the "busy" side. My golf game is worse than last year, but my liver has been keeping up nicely Sailfast

I like the taste of Sing Ha. I just purchased a couple of cases here in the US and it had that "skunky" taste that imported Heiny sometimes gets. I won't be getting any more here at home but I drink it often in LOS. Anyway, I am not the type of drinker to fall into a habit. I like to change it up. Leo is OK, Chang is nice. You may see me drink a Guiness, then Carona w/ lime, then a JW Black on the rocks, then a rum and coke, then maybe a nice merlot. I am a big fan of Newcastle Brown but if makes me sneeze (no kidding). McCewens (sp?) is nice, but harder to find, here at home. There are hundreds of fine beers brewed here in the US and I try new ones all the time, but, never get into a habit of drinking just one. Yes, my friends laugh at me when I order. Sailfast

Ebay man, ebay. Sailfast

You are about a week late...price was 1006.00 for a while I have paid as low as 940.00 before the gas prices went up. Thai only gave me 50% miles on the leg over last time. I got 100% miles on the way back and my friends all got 100% miles for both legs. They won't change it! Oh well, you still can't beat the price/time saved if you live near NY. Sailfast

You left out the part about the dirt and the bugs. By all means, visit the hotel night club and parking lot after hours, just don't sleep there. There are so many nice hotels with in walking distance that offer the same or better rates. Why give your money to a place that is ripping people off. They need a major overhaul or reduction in rates. The rooms are worth no more than 500 baht a night. Just MHO. Sailfast

Four words: Laughing my ass off. Thanks, Sailfast

Safe Guidelines to follow if you want to avoid the third sex: 1. Never assume you can be 100% sure by any method. 2. If she works in a bar, she will have to tell you at some point or risk losing her job. 3. Never assume you can be 100% sure by any method. 4. Freelancers don't have to own up to anything. 5. Never assume you can be 100% sure by any method. 6. If she works in a gogo that features women then odds are 99.999% that she has always been a woman. 7. Never assume you can be 100% sure by any method. 8. Stay at a hotel that checks I.D.'s and simply ask when they check. 9. Never assume you can be 100% sure by any method. 10. If you are really not sure, tell her you want a ladyboy. If she say's "OK I get my friend for you" then you can say "just joking ". If she say's , me not ladyboy" then you are good to go. The ones who think they have a fool proof method are the ones most likey to get fooled I'm not gonna mention any names, but, I have seen it happen, and I COULD NOT TELL BY ANY METHOD (well, I didn't try to cop a feel). In fact, I was thinking of barfining this cutie myself, but ********** grabbed her/him first. ********** Had a fool proof, failsafe methods and could "always" tell Lets see if ********* has the balls to give some first hand advise Sailfast

Here is my take on the results of the upcoming event: Euro team will stay up and drink with each other all night. American team will bar fine and get laid all night. Euro team will call the US team pussies for abusing our testes instead of our livers. US team will keep the cup for another year. Euro team will call the US team pussies. A great time will be had by all. Sailfast

Book from the Thai Air website and if the price or flight is not what you want simply change the day. The direct flight is not every day of the week. Thurs, Sat, and maybe one more day, I can't remember exactly. You WILL find the flight for less than 1050.00 When you get to JFK ask about a possible upgrade for 200 bucks each way. If you are not a big guy and/or can get a decent seat you might not want to spend the money. If you will be stuck in the middle of the center section, then go for the upgrade. My 2baht Sailfast

OK, so it's a bit early to start this topic, but, using your miles to fly free means planning early. I was planning the next trip out and trying to decide where to spend Loy Krathong and noticed that the dates of the cup and the holiday may overlap. Is the cup still to be played on the first Monday? That would be November 6 with the sign up party on the 5th. Also, the last night of Loy Krathong is November 5. Are these dates correct? If so, would the holiday affect the turnout for the tournament? Or maybe the tournament will affect the turnout for Loy Krathong Sailfast

Well, um, yea... I hardly ever drink...much...sort of, well I only drink while I'm awake..for the most part. Yea, I would say lightly used, in a round about way. Sort of. Sailfast

I'm selling off my organs bit by bit. Anyone interested in a lightly used liver? Sailfast

Hey Mesc, Just missed you by a week! I would have let you buy me a beer. Have stayed at the RG 3 times out of 4 trips. Love the place and the staff is THE BEST. Have fun, Sailfast

I resemble that remark. Sailfast

I think you missed the point. This forum is mostly made up of tourists seeking information or advise. Many people reading this board have not even been to Thailand yet. Before my first trip I got loads of great info from helpful board members. BUT, arguing with a cop while on vacation in a third world country is rarely a good idea. In fact, it is a BAD idea. I won't spend 2 hours of my vacation in a police station, arguing when I could be getting laid. I have never had a run in with the cops in LOS, but, I have in other places and paid the bribe just to get on w/ my vacation. Hell, I would venture to guess that most of us probably don't even drive while on vacation in Thailand. If you live there, fine, do what you have to do. It just might affect how they handle expats such as yourself. I doubt it will have an effect on how they handle tourists. Sailfast

Look for deals on Thai Air by messing with the dates. You can change your depart or return by one day and the price may (or may not) drop or rise. JFK - BKK Direct dep. 3/29 - ret. 4/15 $1080 Last November I paid $901 for the same flight. The direct flight is a dream come true IMHO. I have gone through Tokyo and London in the past so I can compare. I have also flown the NY, Chicago, Tokyo, BKK NIGHTMARE and lived...don't take this at any price. Something like 28 hrs total. Stay up and party most of the night before you go. Get on the plane, have lunch, force yourself to stay awake through dinner and a couple of movies. Crash hard for 9 hrs and wake up a nice meal, washup and in a couple of hours you will be in a car headed for Pattaya. The arrival time on the direct flight gets you in at 5pm instead to 11pm as many of the other flights out of JFK do. The Cathay flight looks decent for the price as well. I have considered trying them, but, all my air miles are w/ star. Best of luck and let us know how you make out, Sailfast

Thanks again for all the suggestions This is what I ended up with: Olympus 720 SW $400.00 (must be a brand new model, was not even out on display at Bestbuy yet or on their website yet). 7.2 mp Shockproof when dropped up to 5 ft Waterproof to 10 feet 3x optical zoom Video/audio The camera's audio playback is very shitty, but that must be due to the fact it is waterproof. also picked up a 1 gig card Good for Songkran and my sailboat. More than I wanted to spend, but it is very small and seems like it will take a beating. When I bought my last new camera I was not eager to bring it sailing. This one I won't worry about getting splashed or dropped on deck. I have not really tried it out yet, but, if it turns out to be shit I will be sure to post again. Later, Sailfast

That was so funny I nearly pissed myself. Thanks! Sailfast

I have never been to Asia Pattaya, but have stayed at Asia Bangkok... FUCKING KILLED ME W/ GUEST FEES! Fucked up our reservation first night and stuck three of us GUYS in ONE room! Breakfast buffet was ok IF you get up early. Sleep till 10 and you get shit leftovers Rooms are OK, but not for the price. Hotel is tired. Lots of families. Listen to the other boardies, you can do MUCH better than an Asia (corp) Hotel.

What airline is that? I'm getting ready to book a star align. miles flight for Nov. So far, the best I way to go (paid) that I have found is Thai direct, but according to the website it is 85000 miles to get a freebie on TG. United is only 60,000 with one stop in Tokyo.

Cool thanks, I will check that hhafterdark website out. I would still like to hear from some more board members who can recommend a place from first hand knowledge. Thanks! Sailfast

Any suggestion for a guest friendly hotel in Hua Hin? Something along the lines of the RG would be nice :) Thanks, Sailfast

So it is OK to bribe them if you have broken the law? As other boardies have stated, if you live LOS and know the score you can pick your fights. However this might not be good advice to tourists. Most of the people who read these posts are tourists. No one has "Rights" until they get to court. That includes the USA or Britian or anyplace else. If the guy with the gun, club, mase, tazer, handcuffs, and radio to call more of the same decides it's time for you to be on the wrong end of an ass whipping I suggest you put your head between your legs and kiss your ass goodbye. Granted, you might win in the end. Good luck. Small bribes are common in many countries where the cops are paid very low wages. If you travel you better get used to it. I think the fact that you posted your suggestion on a board made up of mainly tourists and some expat's who, with the exception of yourself, go out of their way to help, shows just how much of a dim wit you are. You're bringing your political views into the equation dims your 20 watt bulb of a brain even more so. However, you have a "right" to your opinion. Sailfast