av8r

Just wondering if they have them there. I usually buy an assortment of DVD's to bring back home, but now that I've been introduced to Blue Ray, I can hardly watch regular DVD's on my shiny new big screen TV. Does anyone know if they sell them now?

Reading on Stick the other day that they are using 6% to figure inflation in LOS. Is that correct? That seems a little high.

Very informative and interesting as usual Owen. Any ideas of the inflation rates in Thailand, and does it make much difference when planning retirement?

I'll look into that too. I wonder if an LLC would have the same result. I think they are cheaper and easier to setup.

Thanks for the input Owen. Actually I like being a landlord. I seem to have a good instinct for picking tenants. On my current rental, I don't think the tenants will ever leave. Of course it will be much more difficult from LOS, especially if I have to replace a tenant. I was bummed about the fact that I might not be able to use Nevada residency to save state sales tax. Do you think that just because I own 2 rental properties in California, that I couldnt' claim residency in Nevada?

I use Vanguard for my index funds. I hope they come up with a less weighted version soon per your example.

Thanks for your 2nd clarifying post Owen. I understood it much better. I've been a big fan of index funds for the last few years and would certainly be interested in improvements. Please keep us informed when someone comes up with a new indexing formula.

This is a bummer for me. I live in California and own 2 homes which will be paid off soon. I was hoping to live on the rent, but I guess I will be forced to retain California as my home of record unless I sell my properties. I still have few years to plan though.

I have brought my newer laptop on 9 trips, and never had a problem. I don't even lock it up. I take lots of pics, and even bring a portable printer so I can make prints for the bg's. I can't imagine not having it with me.

I've stayed there before and really liked it, but didn't realize they charge extra for bringing 2 girls to the room. I can barely handle 1 so not a problem for me. I think they do that to limit the partying atmosphere. Most of the condo owners are banking people and do not want the hotel part to get loud. Therefore it is 1 guest friendly, not 2 guests friendly.

I've stayed at Majestic Grande, and it's a great place, but I now stay at Majestic Suites. 2/3 cheaper and still very nice. Both are great locations for Nana Plaza.

I agree about not joking about gassing jews, and hacking Rawandans, but I think the Marines are fair game. A Marine should be man enough to take a little ribbing. It's not as though he was making fun of their deaths.

I posted the pic mainly to show off the girl not show off the room.

Actually it was a deluxe room, but the beds are the same. I will be there from May 27-June 4, but I'm trying out a new hotel called the metro. It is only 450 Baht a night if you can believe it. Free wireless internet, fridge, safe, and new. The beds will likely be a little less comfortable. It is located near Soi 11 and 2nd Rd. If you're in Pattaya when I'm there give me a call. We'll hook up for a drink. 09 017 8720 http://www.metro-apartments-pattaya.com/apartment.php

I just stayed there in February and was very pleased. Much nicer than Dynasty, and very comfortable beds. Not sure about guest policy, because I never had more than 1 a night. Must be getting old. Here's my picture of the room. Sorry it's not more informative password "cfi" http://www.pbase.com/stevescottcfi/image/56746203

Tiger zoo. You can hold the baby tiger cubs, and feed them (or they you). Also there is a monkey cave somewhere near where you can feed wild monkeys. Crocodile farm, and Buddha mountain can also fill up some days. I know a little about this because I arrive in 2 weeks with my 11 year old Daughter, 67 year old Mom, and 2 brothers . Mom will be home schooling Daughter in the evenings while me and brothers see the Pattaya culture at night We will be spending a night on Ko Samet as well.

I read the previous thread, but it seemed to focus more on diving than snorkeling. Does anyone know if there is any nice areas to snorkel around these islands (or anywhere else)? I'm going with my family and wondering whether to bother packing snorkel and masks.

I thought that Whitehouse was wired not wireless, but I could be wrong. I'm staying there in Feb, and I would certainly prefer wireless.

It's like the Nikon vs Canon wars I see all the time on the photography forums. Both aircraft companies make great planes, and the public is better off for it. Boeing needed some competition to get off their butts.

Thanks. Yes it's spelled "Eastiny", and the new one on Soi 10 has wired internet in some of the rooms.

billrussel, Thanks for the info, but cannot find any info on Estony (or various spellings) with internet searches. Sounds like it would work well for me except for my Skype needs. Fortunately, I will be there in a few weeks, so can look for it in person. Will post info at that time.

Anything to be had around Soi 13? I know about Bella Villa on Soi 2. I stayed there, and liked it, but this time need to be closer in. I have a laptop and need to use it to access internet. Do the internet cafe's let you hook up with your own laptop?

Thanks Tom, I'll be taking a look at it in December. I'm going back in February with my Daughter, and Mom. I like the fact that they have suites. Mom and kid can stay together, while I head to Walking st at nite. I know the Baht bus situation is limited, but I heard they still run til 2 or 3 in the morning. Is that the case, or is it worse?

Does anyone know of this place. Girl friendly? http://www.nirvanaboutiquehotel.com/index.html

Very funny Chuckdog. With my luck, we'd all end up with the same girl on Soi 6. Again thanks for all the advice. Yes, the plan is to keep Mom (Grandma) with the kid in Jomtien, while my 2 brothers and I hit Walking St. at night while they're sleeping. Maybe we'll sneak off during the day for lunch on Soi 6, like me and Chuckdog did almost everyday last month. I'm sure a great time will be had by all.