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What a shame that they had to pick the Marine bar on Walking Street as their place of pick up. That's just one of the faves of tourists as well as Lucifer and Tony's. Thiis group could not have made more than a few hundred each drugged tourist. It pays to have a lock box in the room, id secured at the front desk or security guard and a courtesy call when they leave. Now if only all hotels in Pattaya offered these security measures this would lesses the opportunites for crimes such as this. Here's hoping they catch the lot of them.

Those offers for 800-850 baht do not include tolls and any other expenses incurred. You will have to give close to 200 baht for the tolls, plus a tip. By then your coming close to 1300 baht. Also keep in mind usually for this rate they use a metered taxi not a private car. I would guess, they will book a taxi from Bangkok for a return trip from the airport too. My advice, get a private car, that you reserve. The hotels you stay in are alright, to book through them. There is one thread of the two thai lades on 2nd road where it meets Central road that run a travel agency and offer taxi services. There were two memebers at least that highly recommended them. One of the ladies is named Pat. I do not like taking chances when I have to catch a plane. Old cars, unreliable or unknown drivers, etc, etc. I cannot afford to miss my plane, Take the sure way always less problems.

I will try to make this simple for your inquiries about seats for a tall or large person. Eva in my opinion is the best value for money on their Evergreen deluxe class. It is approximately about $950. Although right now till March 31 you can book it on Eva's website for $750-800 which is an excellent deal. Evergreen deluxe class seats are spacious and comfortable for anyone larger than the normal asian size. I flew Eva in November and would definitely fly them again when price is a consideration too. Business class in any airline is much much better than coach anyday. But keep in mind that prices are usually more than double that of economy. The lowest price I have seen for LOS biz class was $2500 at least. Unless you are upgrading with miles or using frequent flyer miles for a free ticket, I would rather pay Eva's deluxe class. As they say, you get there at the same time, as the first and biz classes. The ptich of the seats and the width of the seats are significantly better than economy, not to mention the food and service by the ladies. Liqour is also free flowing if you desire. I do fly biz when I can with miles for an upgrade, and I can say the service is very good and anyone can get used to that. I would still fly Eva when with friends, due to their budgets being a major consideration. I would not take the chance of of booking economy and hoping and praying for a bulkead seat. I have done this and I can assure you that it can be a nightmare for a lasrge or tall person when they tell you that they cannot accomodate you and they will be putting you near an exit row instead. Keep in mind, will you want to be cramped for a minimum of 14 1/2 hours. Or would you rather arrive relaxed and rested??? Fly Eva deluxe for value for money, fly biz class if you can afford it. Simple enough.

you can hire both motorbikes and quads on some islands in Samed. I did try the quads with a friend and two girls behind. The island is so small and the "highway" end in about a mile or two. Then, you have dirt track. The roads cannot be run faster than 35 miles and thats balls out speed with one riding behind you. I let the girl drive me, and held on to her, believe me when I say these thai girls can ride very well even with their feet up(automatic) that I wasn't surprised with the war wounds on their legs and knees. Try them sometime, I believe the price was like 150 baht for an hour for the quads. And the hour was all you need to see the whole island...LOL

From the West Coast. Eva has a great special going now from either Los Angeles or San Francisco flying to Bangkok with either Economy class. the only requirement is you fly no later than March 31. Also you canno stay more than one month. Here is a link. http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/deals/America/ Actually I put the link for the whole US, from L.A., Seattle, Vancouver, SFO, etc. This inlcudes Economy, Deluxe Economy and Biz classes. Hpe this helps you guys.

Marleyboy is right. My preference is a hotel also due to the change of sheets EVERYDAY. One other option if you can increase your budget is the RG with a kitchen aas an dded bonus compared to a hotel room/suite.

There are many places to visit to go shopping for clothes. It also depends on whether the designer label means much to your spending budget. Example there is a genuine Lacoste store at 2nd road between South Pattaya road and Royal plaza mall. There are places like Mikes mall (the 3 leve or is it 4 level one) you can get anything your heart desires from real Levis, Ecco shoes, etc, etc. Big C, Carrefour, and Royal Plaza all have stores, food stalls, restaurants, with the addition of a grocery in BigC and Carrefour. My personal prefernces were Big C and Royal Plaza. Near Thepprasit road is the outlet mall and Tesco Lotus. I do not have much to tell you, but my girlfriend prefers shopping here for the bargains of designer label stuff from Adidas, Nike, etc, etc. You will see billboards on the way to Pattaya, from Bangkok airport on the highway. There are also night markets on Friday nites I believe near the Soi Diana/Soi Buakao(sp) I could be mistaken, ask any of the bargirls of hobbyists you see in Pattaya. On the main streets, mainly Beach road and 2nd road both have stalls galore. Lastly, I am not too sure of the location as I was always driven there by a Thai friend of mine. On Tuesday and Friday, there is a market also I believe at the end of the Soi Buakao area, I beleive it was way past the Central road and we turned right then right again till we hit a somewhat dead end that curved around. Dirt floor with makeshift tables, with Thai hawking wares from blouses, jeans, sandals, wallets, belts, flowers, plants, etc. This I found to be the cheapest place for real bargains buying. If it is clothes that you seek, there are many tailors, that will custom make any suit, tie, pants, sport coat and shirt to your liking. I did not prefer the middle eastern touts, so I did seek out a Thai master tailor that did 2 suits for a friend and a sport coat for me. Finally, to add, haggle when you can. usually the pricepoint is like 1/3 off. You have to feel your way with the seller. I could sense how low he/she would go to sell their wares. That is just an average. If you prefer take a Thai with you, bargirl or male friend and have them haggle for you. Remember to tip them for their efforts. happy shopping...I hope there are other hobbyists, who would add the exact locations of the night market and the Tuesday/Friday day market...They are worth the time and effort for the bargains.

I have flown Eva's deluxe economy from SFO to BKK. I have to say that the seats were as close you can get to Business class without paying the 3-5 times what economy costs. They costed out to be $900 plus. A friend of mine who flew on the same flight paid $680 for his seat on regular economy. He did say that he would fly deluxe next time. Just to add, the food, check in line and service is first rate compared to regular economy. My own personal complaint, the time you arrive and wait time in Taipei airport. If they could get in much earlier such as Cathay Pacific, I would consider them again. Eva gets in around 2200-2300 hours with a 2 day loss from the West Coast, I believe. Cathay's gets in about 1030 hours with 1 day loss. You know what airline I will be flying more often.

I really do not know where you can hire them. Your first bet would be to contact either Pattaya International hospital http://www.pih-inter.com/ or try Bunrungrad hospital http://www.bumrungrad.com/htm/eng/main.asp for rental of a scooter. You may have to consider renting one and bringing one from the US. I did have to do this with my father after he had his stroke and travelled to South East Asia. Hope this answers some of your questions. Also, anyone in Pattaya or Bangkok, check the yellow pages for medical equipment, particularly rental of a scooter. I am sure there are medical equipment stores in both cities.

From my experience this last November, the most price break I got for a 5 week stay was 200-300 baht per day. You can book in cheaper places or more expesive depending on your priorities. Kitchen, convenient with baht bus, close to Big C, Close to Carrefour, Jomtien Beach, Naklua, Central road, Soi 13, high speed internet capable, swimming pool/jacuzzi, etc, etc. You get my drift. Decide on your priorities, then choose the hotel/apartment/condominium, negotiate your price point, book and reserve. Good luck to you. Ask away if you still have any questions.

Joker, it sounds like you are in Pattaya from your post. Mr. Toom has his telepohone number posted. It would be advisable and quicker if you just call him for a quick response. Hope this helps you out a little faster.

Here in the US...only Preferred Provider Plans(PPO) insurance carriers such as Blue Shield and Blue Cross offer coverage worldwide. Both medical insurances have webistes...google them and they do have customer support services. I know I had a problem in the Philippines, and I had to undergo a procedure, with prior authorization, it was paid for including hospital stay. They also do reimbursements but always get prior apporval if you are unsure. Good luck to you mate.~

I stayed at the Landmark November 2005. The room was a deluxe Lifestyle room. One thing I can say the beds are the best I have slept in, within Thailand. THe close proximity to Nana plaza(its around the corner) is really helpful for hobbyists. Another feature I liked is the fact that you can be dropped off and picked up curbside at the hotel's driveway, which some places in Sukhumvit aren't capable of doing. The hotel is guest friendly. I brought in two escorts and they did not even ask for id's at the reception desk. Lastly, the brunch is very very good and worth every penny. The service that I encountered with two other friends I travelled with was up to 4 star standards. The only deterrent I would have staying there again is they do not offer the old "2 for one" offer. The offer was a choice of two rooms for the price of one, or two nites for the price of one. A pricepoint that made my choice all the more easier.

2Dave, I flew from Manila/Bangkok/Manila for a quick 6 day jaunt in Pattaya in January. The two airlines that I researched on the internet that fly direct to and from are Thai airways and Philippine airlines. The prices of PAL is a lot cheaper whether you fly economy or business class. I was offered $249 for economy or $640 business on PAL. Thai prices were far more. Hope this helps you!

One other recommendation I have is the brunch at the Marriott hotel on Beach road. Marriott has an extensive fruit, salad, cold cuts, eggs to order, etc for breakfast or lunchtime. THe quality is of a 5 star hotel quality and the service is memorable!

I have come in to DOn Muang airport three times in the last 10 months and each time buy 3 cartons and 3 bottles of scotch. Each and everytime they did not search me or my duty free bag, maybe because there was only one bag total. On one flight they did racial profile in my opinion, they searched two muslims with turbans on...

I have stayed at both the Landmark on Sukhumvit and the JW Marriott and I would recommended either one. I would lean towards the Landmark only because of the location. Nana and all the bars are around the corner. I tend to like the Marriott mainly for my frequent stay points. President Park, Westin Grande and the Sheraton have had good reviews. One bit of advice, I would NOT stay at the President Solitaire ever again. I had stayed there last April and will say the room I stayed in needed serious repair with leaks from the upstairs room, mold in the bathroom and lousy management, that refused to lower their rates or comp the hotel stay with all their faults. Stay at the Landmark the beds are great especially the club floors. The Marriott also is very good, with a mall right beside the hotel with access through a walkway on the second floor. Let us know what you think after your stay. Good luck and have fun!

I have not sampled the Montien buffet before. My prefernce for buffets is the Dusit on Satruday evenings. In my opinion, hands down winner for an impressive date or to impress anyone. The roast piglet, grilled seafood, sushi, italian section, thai, chinese and my fave, the lamb chops are memorable! Talking about seafood restaurants in Walking Street. This last two trips, I made it a point to sample all of them, at least once to try and compare their food. King's used to be a favorite till I tried and fell in love with the cook's at Vientiane restaurant. Vientiane is past Nang Nual on the right hand side. Try their flavors compared to your favorite seafood restaurant...Let me know what you think...

I have used all three modes of payment for hotels, restaurants and airlines. The easiest method is an ATM card that you can use in any ATM. The exchange rates are good and the transaction is painless, you can also check your balances either online or through the receipt given to you. The other form of currency I like is travelers cheqes. I prefer American Express in the largest denominations possible. The reason I prefer this is there are less chances of rejection due to counterfiet bills. You will need your passport (original) to cash them. Lastly is cash, just understand that sometimes they may refuse cashing a particular batch number for fear of counterfiet bills. And then you have credit cards, this is accepted in most hotels, ,restaurants and travel agencies. I tend to prefer using them only when needed or emergency situations.

Mikal. I usually go to Pattaya at the end of October or 1st of November. This next year's trip I will be with two friends who accompanied me on my trip this year plus a newbie also. Our trip is usually 4-5 weeks as we all enjoy our Pattaya trips each year. If you are inclined, you can inbox me. I actually will be going to Pattaya on a side trip from the Philippines next Sunday. I can fill you in and help you out where/what/when/which..

I have stayed at the President Solitaire. Overpriced and lousy service from management. The suite I stayed in was leaking water from the upstairs bathroom, that I had to move rooms at 11:00 PM if not my bathroom would be flooded. And to think the management did not want to discount my rate for my inconvenience. Would I recommend the President Solitaire...NEVER~!!! OF the three hotels you have offered. President Park, Davis, Sofitel. I have not stayed in any of them. The Sofitel, in my opinion is away from the action, does that matter to you???...PResident Park is recommended by other board members. I stayed at the Landmark, just last month when I got in to Bangkok, and I would stay there anytime again. The rooms were outstanding, and the buffet for brunch was the best spread that I have seen in Thailand, excellent. Plus the location, cannot be beat. Just walk around the corner and wallaaa~~~ Your at Nana~!!!

I arrived October 30 and was given 30 days exactly till November 28. I did have a ticket on return which was not asked about since it was an e-ticket anyway. My return date was on December 2. I asked around about visa extensions and all the sound advice I heard was, do not overstay even for one day, regardless of the cost being only 200Baht. This can prevent you from ever coming into the kingdom again...Aghast~!!! Now, go to Soi 8. almost to the end of SOI 8 (if you are coming from 2nd road towards Beach road) is the Thai embassy visa extension branch. It costs 1900Baht now and requires you to bring a photocopy, black and white and 1 passport picture. You fill out a visa extension, they do an informal interview and right then and there, an embassy official will decide how many days you may be given. If you do need a photocopy and passport picture, there is a small shack just before the visa office. I bet the Embassy official owns and runs this business...LOL...IT costs 250 baht for a photocopy and two passport pictures in black and white. You need to fill out your form for visa extension with information that is pertinent. Address where you are staying in Pattaya, why you are staying past 30 days, Passport number, etc. YOu will need to leave your passport and you will be given a number and time to pick it up, the same day. If you bring it in by noon, usually by 3:00-3:30 PM return. Be respectful and courteous, it always helps and not to mention at least bring a smile to their dreary workday...Hope this helps.

Ting Tong, I agree with you 100%. Trojan Supra or Durex Avanti's are the best thing since KY Jelly....I do not know of any other polyurethane condoms made, they are more expensive but feel better, much better...Only thing better is not wearing any at all~!!!

I flew Eva Elite November from SFO and back in December. THis being my first trip on Eva, I was pleased that the seats were much better than Cathay Pacific. The food was passable, albeit typical plane food. Service, very mechanical, nothing to write home about. I am not a fan of the Taipei stopover to Bangkok and much prefer HongKong on Cathay. I am considering Thai air on my next trip. Now if Thai would consider a direct flight from SFO, that would be ideal~!!!

Makavelli, I hope I can answer your questions... The room I stayed in April 2005 was a 2nd floor garden room...ask for a swimming pool view and it looks out into the swimming pool and bar...Nice view... The seaview is the wing facing the back of the hotel that faces beach road...I for one didn't want to pay extra when the pool view was nice anyway.. As far as where to stay, I chose a 2nd floor room on the wing that was right beside the mall...what was nice about this was I could bring a girl/girls back to my room from either the mall side entrance to the hotel or the back(Beach road) entrance and avoid the walk of shame and the front desk sala... I have to say the buffet at the Marriott is very good. It makes the Lek hotel buffet seem inadequate. The fruits offered alone were very fresh and try the dragon fruit which is very delicious. The buffet offered a luncheon section with salads, meats, omelettes, etc. Top notch food only a multinational hotel chain can offer... Hope this helps you...Also try booking through their website, as they have offers for senior citizens, government/military discounts and AAA members...One last recommendation also check to see if they offer a weekend break rate or similar promotional rates as these are usually several dollars below the rack rates. Good luck. PS. if you qualify for any of these rates make sure you have id to prove you are miltary/government, senior or AAA, to be able to be given these rates also...