chas

Thanks indeed - great photos.

A blonde walks into a bar. The barman says "Is this a joke?"

Thanks - I enjoyed the pictures.

Thanks for that Shilo.

Thanks for that; I'm along the river in Nong Khai for a while , so I might take a look.

Lovely, funny man. We lived for a while on the same floor in Center Condo. Sad story.

Here you go NKPed:-

Some 4 years ago I lived in Pattaya. Over a week or so I found it difficult to breath/walk any distance. Trying to save money I saw a Doc at a clinic on Pattaya Tai; he said 'chest infection', take these antibiotics and "w"itamins. No better. Saw Dr Olivier on Soi Day/Night. Same diagnosis - stronger antibiotics. No better. Went to BPH, Lung Center. Blood test, x-ray. Had to travel in a wheelchair as I couldn't keep up with the nurse, going to get my x-ray. By the time I got back to see the doc, he had an x-ray of my lungs/heart on the computer on his desk. The answer? Liquid on my lungs caused by a heart problem not pumping properly. He stuck a needle twice from my back through to my lungs and got rid of the liquid. Straight up to the Heart Center.Sorry, American spelling...coffee and a Hobnob biscuit. Then saw Dr Suthep Keeratijarenongwong. Cardiologist. He by now had my x-ray. Had a listen, nurse did an echocardiogram. Doc said yes, heart problem; as Papillon says angiogram would tell if i needed stents, by-pass or new valves. My BUPA would not cover this. He gave me pills which reduced symptoms and risk while I sorted a return to the UK. I went for monthly checks until I left. And kept taking the pills. I think what pills is for a Doc to prescribe, not advice on here. I was very happy with the treatment and advice. Back in the UK, angiogram, then triple by-pass operation - now fit as a butcher's dog. Still taking pills. But had to become a UK resident again. Well done giving up smoking. I gave up over ten years ago, but - as maybe with you Shilo - my problems were/are compounded with COPD - pulmonary disease which sneaks up on you, even as a non-smoking convert, Whew! So get yourself to a hospital and get a diagnosis. One tip on medications - don't buy them from BPH; get a mocy from the hospital to Fascinos pharmacy on Pattaya Nua (discount cards available!) - much cheaper on the prescription drugs than the hospital pharmacy. Hope it all goes well. There's the Trip Report I never did!

Just to add to the best wishes.Always enjoyed Mick's posts. If you really stop smoking you'll avoid the COPD that it caused me! So keep it up

Best wishes. Get well soon.

It may be unrelated but:- I keep having advert web pages just appear - which I delete. Nothing apparently via Pattaya Talk. When I try to access Secrets website chrome just tells me it cannot connect to the site. Has anyone else had this problem? This for three days. I've tried an Advanced System Care scan, Supra anti spyware scan and have Windows Essentials up to date and working. Anyone else who cannot open Secrets? Thanks in advance

ajarn.com Lots of information there.

What sounds like the same species of snake (or the same one ) followed me out of the Friendship car park a while ago. Thank god my Missus wasn't there or she'd have grabbed it and eaten it. I think she always overcooks them them.

New Year's Eve will be the best display. Fireworks not just from Bali Hai - but also right round the bay. My best spot to see this was from the roof of Center Condo, off Pattaya Tai. Lift to 16 floor. To avoid flyers/jumpers, don't park too near.

I married a Thai lady in February 2009 when I was retired to Thailand. I applied for what was called Additional Pension. After weeks and weeks I got the £57 a week for her. The delay - "not us, we have to get a National Insurance number for her..." That was fine but I had to come back to the UK and re-establish my residency to get free NHS treatment. When I did this the DWP said that since we are separated they would not pay the £57. They also e-mailed the Hospital to say I was not a Resident. Initially the Hospital billed me. But they cancelled the bill when I pointed out they had not discussed payment with me before my appointments as their regulations said they should have. Their last letter said I should let them know when I return to Thailand so I could claim the extra money. I should have known to keep my trap shut

This doesn't answer your question but you should know:- It is right next to the Tuesday/Friday market; they start putting the bamboo poles and canvas roof up early in the morning. If you don't mind noise - ok. I probably need to add - the above applies if I have got the right hotel

It seems to help if you reduce the zoom level. Especially if there are a lot of photos on the page. Menu top left corner.

The wet foot marks on the toilet seat are yours You understand the Security Man's whistles You have your own whistle You try to get on the lift (Elevator) before everyone has got off You shout at cars coming he correct way down a one way street You always park away from the condo to avoid 'falang flyers' In in public you pick your nose and flick the findings, but take great care to hide your mouth when using a tooth pick You go shopping, dancing, with a Vick Inhaler up your nostril and a ten baht coin in your ear for the baht bus And so it goes on...

The Cloak is now blocked by the Police - the BIB not the band.

I think a lot shown on Google Earth is 3 years old. For example, I think you can still see the old pier, now demolished, in Pattaya Bay.

Have a look on thaivisa.com. I got a newsletter from them today about a report by the Kasikorn Bank predicting that prices might drop by up to 20% in the coming year.

I have a new microwave fire. I can lie down in front of it all night in five minutes

I have a one bedroom condo. My electric bill this month is about average at 497 baht. I work that out at 3 baht a unit, 157 units plus vat at 7% plus another amount I can't decipher - all in the total of 497 baht. I pay this direct to the electric company but I hear some landlords bill tenants at a higher rate, so beware. I think the fridge is the main user, I never use aircon now I am 'used' to the heat, but shower in warm water and cook a little for my self.

Not sure if the word 'seamstress' fits them but there are quite a few ladies who set up sewing machines along South Pattaya Road. There is usually one on the left as you walk down South Pattaya Road from 2nd Road, past the Wat, on the left, past a few shops and outside the Family Mart.They do repairs, alterations etc. If they don't meet your need they might know someone. There are also a few small workshops making clothes in the sois around Dotcom and one that makes the exotic wear, I suspect for the Alcazar show persons in the covered market area on Soi Bukheow at the southern end. I would say ask an Indian tailor, but you would never get away. And all that has been hiding away in my head just wiating for someone to ask, and I never knew it was there.

Because of a couple of deaths in the last year at the hotel it is also known as the Night Night Hotel or the Check Out Hotel