bangkapiboy

Taxi is a great way to get to Pattaya for the convenience. You need to be aware though that you may feel like you are in a nascar race on the expressway though. Bangkok Taxis are scary fast when they drive to Pattaya, very very scary! No joke.

Mor Chit bus station is a big hassle though, since it is so large. It's just like a maze.

Sounds like an exciting event!

It looks like the "sweat shops" at behind Tuk com in South Pattaya. So, just take a walk down there if you want to avoid the indian middle men! I never tried this.

Can you recommend it if the management cannot be trusted to give back your deposit at the end of your rental? Just my thoughts..

Just call Thai Airways and give your US Airway's FF number. Better check if the Thai Airways ticket you bought is even eligible for miles.

Actually... I have attained many doctor's notes anytime I needed them (eg. changing return airplane ticket dates) by just going in a Hospital clinic and claiming back pain or diahrea. The doctor's note is written up in English and ready upon payment. Hopspital notes are considered legit, but small clinic notes are not always acceptable for certain companies. Of course, you should appear to the doctor to actually have these symptoms and be suffering. Make like it's real. For back pain just mention about the "needles in your lower back". He will prescribe muscle relaxant pills and p

Condos have appreciated in value -- but not all. In Bangkok, anything near the new MRT and BTS routes have shot up in value. So, I would say a lot depends on the location. I have very good farrang friends in Bangkok buying up condos and renting them out and they are actually doing very well. It takes a lot of experience in knowing the market.

Exactly! There are no property taxes to pay on your condo, whether you are Thai or Farrang.

Give it to me. I'll return 7% of it to you.

I see the topic is making the case for NOT buying a condo... But... Since being here in Thailand for close to 8 years (on and off), I think I have adapted to a more Asian way of thinking. One where family wealth is important, not just for yourself, but even for your future blood generations. Where I see many farrangs planning their dollars to last until they pass, I will take great pride in passing on any real estate to my kids when I pass away. If I was just a renter all my life, then there might be little to pass on. I'm a born and raised New Yorker. My single mother is still re

I have never had a problem getting a Bangkok city taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya from between 1200B - 1500B. But I have never tried from Don Muang, though.

Thank you for the mention! Hapo, E-mail me and we can work a deal for your 2 month stay, if you like. I have 1 condo open June 10th.

Wow you plan ahead. :) I completely understand -- you are excited.

It's true Welcome Plaza rooms are very old. I remember the rooms have central a/c, and it did blew dusty old smelling air. Changing rooms was futile, since it would be the same a/c anyway. Rooms with their own a/c units are preferable in most hotels in Pattaya nowadays, since they are easier to keep clean and for upkeep. The one redeeming factor is a very nice pool.

Foreigners can own a condo in their own name. If you are buying from a foreigner then no prob, but if buying from a Thai then it must be checked if you can have it in your own name.

Looking at the web site.. Well, 150B fan room is about the cheapest I have heard of in Pattaya. Damn! I guess it really is an excellent place for the cheap charlies. I wonder if the prices are still up to date.

Under 1,000B is probably conservative for electricity use in a condo. I would say most people average around 2,000B in my experience -- some more and some less. If you like fresh air, then that will affect the bill. Many condos have minimum rental periods and some don't. I rent my View Talay condos out short term with short term prices.

I stayed in Diana Inn a few years ago. I grew out of it, but it is mostly a good bet and good location. Has a strong following. Breakfast is good value. Rooms vary considerably, even while in the same price brackets. Breakfast comes with all rooms. Swimming pool is very small. It's across from that ugly Mike's Shopping Mall building.

Sure, a 32sqm condo is small for many people to live permanently in. However, for temporary 1 month stays it is really perfect for most people. Gary is right a lot of people buy the small studio units and just stay occasionally, establishing a base for themselves in Pattaya. Of course someone who intends on living here permanently should try to get a double sized unit, but it is not "spend a little more", it would mean paying double price. :) The condo I bought for myself to live with my wife and daughter is 72sqm (2 bed, 2 bath, small balcony). Perfect size for our small family.

Low season, you will find a place to stay as a walk-in. It can depend where, and if it is a weekend or holiday. Remember Pattaya is Bangkok's weekend getaway.

Whitespider, Really -- I think you are right. Jeez, sounds like you are a photographer. Actually, I just took some quick photos one day for the interior, and the outdoor shots are all just found on google. Thanks for reminding me to work on the web photos, since the condos really do look very nice and new in reality.

My View Talay condos have fridge, hot drinking water machine, microwave, all dishes etc, but not a kitchen for actual "cooking". ... If this interests you. You can PM Gabor. I think he might have a kitchenette in his View Talay condo.

QUOTE (Gary @ Apr 15 2006, 10:07 PM) What lease, what deposit? Sometimes we take people's word as this is how it is. Unfortunately I have discovered that a handshake and a man's word is worthless. Exactly right. I too have learned the hard way in the very beginning of trying to rent out my condos. A deposit separates the flakes from the serious customers. And the ones who continue to strangly ask inane questions are the ones who end up not renting anyway. It sounds like you had a bad experience. I can relate.

Soi Buakow is good value but there is virtually no sidewalks, and the soi is so narrow for 2 way traffic that is can be scary taking a stroll. Not comfortable.