Brewmaster

That's good news Pete, well done...plus 25 years and you are still sane!

Best wishes Pete, you must have the patience of Job to be still resilient and ready to give it go after what the last couple of years have been like. Look forward to a beer at the Beer Garden....one day!

Joined FBL site around 1999 / 2000 I think (may be a bit later - not sure) - when warming up before a long overdue visit. Found the below links that are interesting to reminisce with. https://web.archive.org/web/20060115000000*/http://www.flbbar.com https://web.archive.org/web/20051214180508/http://www.flbbar.com:80/gallery/

Keyman, I think it was in 2013 with the same Doctor, same place and sounds like the price is about the same - that I had the surgery on both eyes. It is really great to dispose of all those glasses scattered around place and to just read the newspaper with no squinting - watch TV and be able to read the news items as they drift across the bottom of the screen. At first you will be conscious of all your mates and others scrambling for their glasses which makes you feel quite smug, plus you will also reach into your pocket for the glasses that are not there when you go to read. The cos

Butch, a great read and sums up life in Pattaya. 1) You mean the Glitterman is no longer around?- he use to stop for tourists and the like to take his photo and have a chat - certainly a character among characters. Elvis - the magician also comes to mind. 2) Extremely sad and happens no doubt too often in what we see as our fun town. 3) Wrong aftershave or did you put the socks down the back of your undies instead of the front?

Wanting to be near the action - I found a report on The Classroom - the ex GoGo up from The Penthouse, which was, in a past time a place to stay when Pattayaland was in full swing. Seems it is now a well placed accommodation option - would wonder about noise levels though - anyone know it?

Can confirm TF-Heinz comments - no sign of a start up on the ex Haven site - Reception staff "thought" that Sandy Spring owners had bought it but there was a lot that they chit chat about all day so maybe, maybe not.

Stayed at the Sandy Springs last year and had the noise in the daytime of the Haven being knocked down. Can anyone advise if this has been completed or is there a new hotel being built that will completely block out the views that were available from about the 6th floor up?

Am really glad to hear that there is now one near Central as it will save me going to the Big C and finding that the one there is closed. Have eaten at the Big C one many times and enjoy their large cocoanuts to go with their great variety of dishes. What is the timeline on the Big C redevelopment? - will be heading to Pattaya in June which roughly speaking is 88 days and 6 hours before touch down.

Stayed at rhe Whitehouse in Soi 13 in Feb / March in a great room with kitchenette and lounge. Also broadband internet.

Absolutlely bloody marvelous, a golfing fest at the same time I am in town!! doghaus, well done, great timing - hope it's not too late to join in. Will be up for all the fun with the possible exception of the road trip. Will see you at the registration on Monday night. Will not be in town soon enough to line up partners (golfing ones!) for the pairs and Ambrose so please put my name in the pot. Cheers and look forward to meeting you. Bryan

Monkeyman; which one?

Lemons said: Ma Maison is a much smaller place - about 24 rooms I think. The high season rate is 900baht for a room and 1100baht for a suite I think What are the suits like? and what price? Cheers Brewmaster

Great post Pete, maybe it should be copied to a wider audience in the FAQ or Members Forum as I do not usually read the Expat Issues and this should be kept "live" for any newby eager punter. Agree 100% with you post - know the country / market; know the type of business and, as Cowboy mensioned; have your accounting / cash flow etc systems in place - most of all do not be under capitalized.