Chris100UK

I used the term condo with a mind to the newer developments that have sprung up in the last decade.

Thanks 👍

Is Pattaya under chonburi in the search area for that link? Surprised it doesn't have its own heading given the large rental market?

He is on a budget so will likely be looking at a cheap older apartment (which is more likely to have slower internet I'd guess?) Mobile router with monthly contract would seem a good option.

Paying about £70 in UK for Sky fibre broadband (50 mbps) with line rental, basic TV package and sky talk anytime phone package. On its own the broadband would be £26.99 a month.

Friend moving to Pattaya (or vicinity) in 6 months and wants reliable reasonably fast internet on his laptop. He is on a tight budget and will likely be renting a cheap apartment rather than a condo. What are his internet options?

That 19 crimes wine is sold in Tesco UK for about £8 so it's rated as fairly good. 550 baht would be a good price for Thailand.

^^^agree with that. Economy to business class is quite a step up. If I were a 'simple' millionaire I wouldn't pay first class prices. Although a suite with a bed would be tempting if one was a multi millionaire.

Business class is appealing for long haul if you do t fly regularly and want to treat yourself. I don't sleep properly on planes. Not upright anyway. I'd like to try doing it laying flat (or as near to) and not waking with a jolt every 2 mins. Often get a stiff neck. I'm knackered when I get to BKK. Also, eating your dinner with your elbows in your ribs is uncomfortable. The food tray sits there for ages afterwards giving you even less room. Then the post meal rush to the toilet. Can't spend too long in there without a queue forming outside. Aisle or window? You are either

People tend to put flattering photos on dating sites. For the people that use them...are you often disappointed when you meet in the flesh?

How often do they check for the 800k. Is that part of 90 day reporting? If you use an agent do you ever need the 800k in the first place or is that overlooked from day one?

Is there any risk using an agent for retirement extensions? A member wrote he paid £250 a year to an agent to sort everything. The 800k was better spent invested at home (making more the £250 yearly) rather than keeping it in Thai account. Why not use an agent?

Does this place still sell illegal wildlife and pets crammed in tiny cages?

US expat BJ (from which walking street's soi BJ got its name) was interviewed by BuzzinPattaya. Been here since early 70s.

Lot of pedal bike thefts here in the UK. Even when locked in a populated area if the bike is half decent. I've seen videos of Thai's beating Thai's for attempted bike theft. I think the stakes are raised when stealing in Thailand...though that is somewhat offset by higher poverty levels and the temptation to steal. Less theiving feral teens as far as I can see. That seems more of a Western problem. Pickpocketing ladyboys is not much a problem in my hometown though! Thailand win.

Those shorts come with pockets? Sold!

Is there much bike theft in Pattaya? Either pedal bike or scooter?

I thought he was disabled at first but it looks like they have Photoshoped out his fingers (or something he was holding)

Back on topic...what are your thoughts on push bikes? Good for fitness but wouldn't like to ride one at busy times. Not sure if they are much safer than scooters. At least you can keep up with traffic on a motorbike. Cutting into traffic to turn right would be a nightmare on a push bike.

I was watching another expat video looking at condo renting and he said he couldn't live with just 2 cooking rings. He wanted 4 so must have a few things on the go at once. I always thought I'd be eating out most nights. Pain cooking all the veg that they throw in to most Thai dishes. Can't be much cheaper cooking if you eat at Thai places? Maybe ok as a hobby or if the g/f wants to knock up something? Apparently not that many condos have an oven?

Watching an expat YouTube video and he was arguing that a bike was not necessary in Pattaya. You could taxi bike or baht bus everywhere and it was too risky to use a bike even if you were proficient back home. I don't ride a bike but if I lived full time in Pattaya I would have thought it would be useful to get around. Shopping, bit of exploring on darkside or jomtien, go somewhere with friends who have bikes. Is a bike an important thing for you here as an expat / long term stayer? Or do you do fine without one?

We were oblivious to this until a fellow customer mentioned it in a Gogo (my friend uses one). Took it with a pinch of salt but then the walking Street pussy show touts would warn that the police would confiscate it if heading their way. Being a non smoker I had no idea.

TransferWise payment went through ok... moment of panic when the ATMs weren't accepting my pin though. Luckily I landed early afternoon so was able to visit kasikorn branch. It was here they reminded me the pin is now 6 digits and I changed it last trip. Doh!

I was forced to bring a wad of cash last trip. Stayed in a small resort with no kasikorn branch and my ATM card had expired. I've had money skimmed from a hotel safe and money taken from my bag by the maid...so I'm extra cautious now. I had a friend who'd avoid being pickpocketed by keeping money in his sock on a night out. I remember one girl wasn't impressed by this for reasons that should be obvious (and it isn't because it made the cash smell!)

Must say i don't like the idea of sending a bank transfer to a company i haven't used before. I'd normally avoid this if if wasn't for all the recommendations. Think i'll pay with credit card as it's only £1.50 extra. Just in case i've done something silly and i'm paying on a spoof website