jaapfries

Hi guys unfortunately my 6 month old dog dropped down dead. looked like he had been poisonned. but im not sure. so I took it to a vet in Pattaya who has sent it to Bangkok for a postmortem. they said would be 3000 Baht. so that I can find out what it was that killed the dog. has anyone else ever had any experience with this?

I was thinking that it could have been a snake bite? my Thai wife says that 3000 baht sounds expensive.

A "Post-Mortem" you don't need, in my opinion; Iwould simply get my vet to take some blood from the poor deceased K9 and send that to the lab. Withing a ouple of days, you will be ale to know what killed your dog (if it was pisen by humans, or poison by snakes). If it was neither; then your dog may have died from natural causes, or something like 'heart-worm'. The cost of this may be Bt. 500~ Bt. 750.-

This is what we would do.

Sorryabout the loss of your dog.

Cheers,

JGK/Pattaya

There's a long established yoga place at the junction of Sukhumvit and South Road, on the slip road as you turn off Sukhumvit.

The health centre at the Royal Garden aslo had yoga classes prior to it becoming part of the Marriot.

YES; I can second that recommendation: the previous poster mentionded (and described it well, which is not as easy as it looks !) "There's a long established yoga place at the junction of Sukhumvit and South Road, on the slip road as you turn off Sukhumvit, into Soth-Pattaya Road.

I have hear many very good stories about this place.

Cheers,

JGK/Pattaya

I am from New Zealand and looking at retireing in Phuket and buying a house, sick of-6 deg , Is there any do's and dont's in transfuring money to Thailand???

Graham

Longball was correct. In fact, the document you would have to complete at the bankm(preferaby prior to transfering the funds) s known as a T-33 document. Once it has been generatd, you will receive ths document. Keep it in your safe, because if yo ever sell your property, you will be allowed to transfer that same value ut of the country again, without any problems.

However; there are a number of things you need to be aware of, viz., if you ae "buying" a property (as you say), on what basis are you planning to do this ? Via a Co., Ltd. structure ? - Via a Thai wife, or girl-friend ? Have you (or a reliable lawyer) completed a properly conduced Due-Dilligence, before any money changes hands

Cut a long story short; there are may potenial pitfalls within this entire process and you would be wel advsed to get profesional help to lead you through this mine-field scenario. The golden rule is "If you can afford to lose your money and/or property: Just Do It !" - If you can't; GET PROPER ASSISTANCE ! !

PM me if you would like the full-story.

Cheers,

JGK/Pattaya

Hi, I may have the opportunity to put a simple house on a very narrow block,

6 m front by about 25 metre deep. For the purpose of number crunching and doing a few guess-timates, has anyone come across basic floor plans that would facilitate the above.

Would probably look at building with rendered cement block, steel truss with basic thai roof tiles.

To include, front family reception, 2 b'room, kitchen/dinette, shower & toilet.

Any thoughts and ideas appreciated

Cheers

Ken

Hi Ken,

I've designed houses for the last 25 years. There's always a decent solution for every situation. The solution in this case depends very much on the 'situationon the ground'. Send me a PM and I'ld be happy to look at it for you.

Cheers,

JGK/Pattaya

Pattaya is starting to sound way too dangerous.

Condolences to those affected by this tragedy.

pattaya attracts the sickest lowlife from every country ,even the worst thais go there ,i m on edge when i go there

Slow-down, Pal;I have lived here happilly for nearly 18 years and have never encountered anything to put me'on edge'. In fact; the sailng's great, the restaurants fantastic, the shopping unbelievable ad there are even a number of brilliant second-hand book shops here. With a few rare exceptions,none of the above mentioned catagories over-charges: try and compare those attributes to any other place on this earth . . . . .

Love Pattaya !

Most people are slaves of their ego.... and consider their own beliefs to be the correct ones.

With something like religions, which are a matter of belief, there will always be friction.

There can only be one ultimate truth and each believes that their religion contains that truth.

I am Buddhist and am certain that Buddhism contains that truth, but cannot prove it to anybody except myself.

All religions are a matter of personal practise, and when one gains insights into the ultimate truth, whether though meditation or prayer, one cannot show these proofs to anyone else.

Each must work to their own salvation.

In addition, it might be useful to remember that ALL religions are 'man-made'. The reason for making-up these religions was to CONTROL large groups of (gullible) people. This practice has obviously worked out really well, just look at the religions of this world . . . . . . and all the kilings which have been a direct result ! ! !

Me ? I try believing in myself and I'll tell you; that IS a fulltime religious effort !

Yes Sorry Diaper.The pommie?(Prisoner of Her Majesty (slang Australian term for British citizens; also Pommie).

Just to tidy this up, the word is : POME, prisoner of mother England.

And to the poster who said all Farang look the same, definately not, you must be one of those people who look at Asian faces and say they are all the same.

Finally someone who actually knows what he's talking about (P.O.M.E.): thank you, Sir !

"His mouth was bleeding", "the door was slightly open" yet "police found no evidence of foul play" ...

The Thai cops would have trouble getting a job as security guards in a normal country. Useless articles. I bet there are thousands and thousands of murderers walking free due to their shoddy work.

You call yourself "Texas Ranger", yet you totally insult their superb legacy !

I've been in Thailand 18 years and used to have a similar opinion about the Thai Police. However; you are confusing the typical Thai 'street-cop' (not all that intelligent,due to very low ducation bla, bla, bla) with the officers within the same corps.

Like we love to say in Canada "The Mounty always Get their Man", believe me, friend. the Royal Thai Police take no second place to either the RCMP or what used to be the Texas Rangers !

Oh; and if you like, I'ld be happy to prove it to you.

Just send me a PM and I'll take you into the CCSD (South Sathorn Road) and introduce you to some real Sherlock Holmes's. If you're in Pataya, the invitation stand too.

Please dim your critism of the Royal Thai Police until you have all the facts; like a real and competent cop !

Your move

Cheers,

JGK/Pattaya

At a meeting at Pattaya City Hall, chaired by Deputy Mayor, Khun Ronnakit Ekkasing,

Issue on the Homeless in Pattaya

the problem of the beggars and hawkers along Walking Street and other tourist areas was up for discussion.

Mr. Suntorn Kangsirikul, Chairman of the Walking Street Community, stated that they were still receiving a tremendous amount of complaints from tourists, fed up to the teeth, with the continuous harassment from these vendors, with no apparent action being taken by police officers to stop it.

The Deputy Mayor explained that this topic had been brought to the attention of the City Hall on numerous occasions, however, despite the best actions of the Town Hall and Police, no sooner had they cleared the problem, when miraculously, they all reappeared, and this has been an ongoing problem for many years.

The Deputy Mayor went on to explain that they had now managed to arrange co-operation between the Pattaya Police, Tourist Police, Volunteer Police and Immigration Officers, he believed that in the near future the problem would be dealt with.

At the meeting a ‘Powerpoint’ presentation showed video footage of the problems, which are not helping the already badly damaged image of Pattaya City. It causes a negative effect on businesses and residents who work in the city.

For Pattaya to regain its good image the Deputy Mayor admitted that a solution to the problem must be found. He is confident that with the new initiative, the problem will soon be a thing of the past. By working together, the police and residents can help to clean up this ever increasing problem. The Deputy Mayor concluded with the observation that most of the children begging are part of organised gangs; we must take the initiative and find the culprits responsible for this heartbreak.

Some pictures at

http://www.pattayatoday.net/index.php?acti...ews&id=6425

I hate to state the obvious here, but there is a huge difference between "Homeless People" and the group of "Street Hawkers" this particular article is purporting to relate to.

Very, very few of the people in the latter catagory are, in fact, "Homeles People". The "Street Hawkers" are highly oganized; use children as 'bait' and those people should be dealt with and punished for their disgusting practices.

Homeless People, form a siginificant group, in Pattaya. But if yo want to observe them, just drive around and loo at most of these people going through garbage cans etc., picking-up anything of (recycling)-value.

One day I was following my (Thai) wife home.She was in er car and I was in mine.At some point, in Soi 17, we had to wait for a light to change.So here we sat, looking around the busy street. I noticed a 2-wheeled push-cart, being lowly pushed forward by a very much elderly chap, while his wife was walking in front of this contraption, and armed with a metal pick, she would scrutinize every garbage an whic hapened on their way. - Just then, the old man took the lid of a small water conatiner, which was sitting on a make-shift little shelf,close to the handle-bar of this cart,contining their 'private stuff' - and took a drink. His elderly wife, who had been limping ahead, noticed the lack of her, also limping, husand and said somethig to him, under her breath. He recoiled slightly at this obvious abnomition and proceeded to get their little "caravan" back on the move, if that is what ne can call it.

I observed all this (and later learned that my wife did so too) and I thought abuut my parents and the parents of my wifel. Then I quickly started to get a feeling of 'guilt' over me, because compared to these poor, old and phyically not very well people, the parents in our families were sooooo much better off ! !

I said to my wife afterwards; yo know; here we are, considering selling your car, since it's getting on a bit and buying a new one. We are tying to work-out what car next to buy . . . . and then there are people like that, who have absolutelly NOTHING, pick through garbage all day long; OBVIOUSLY don;t have children who can or are willing to support them; - and they probaby sleep under some bridge somewhere . . . . . . .

What an unfair world ! ! !

But; I have an idea - and I think it will work.

The most important thing is that people should feel dignified, needed andl oved. Most important of all; they must have a decent roof over their heads, sufficient food and access to proper medical services.

Soon I will let you know, what my idea is; but one thingI can tell you now: something MUST be done by us "The Fortunates" of this society to help these so "Ufortunate" of that same society. Otherwise; how can WE sleep at night ?

JGKJ/Pattaya

Can anyone recommend a decent photography suppliers in the Pattaya area for films/filters etc.

Not digital stuff, the old fashioned accessories.

Hi, Syd,

Apparently, there IS one such place in Pattaya. On Second Rd. near the Pattaya Central Rd., traffic lights.

There's a Isuzu Dealer virtually next door to it.

So; look across the road fromSoi 7 (on 2-nd Rd.) and you'llsee a fairly bgKodak sign.

Fom what I understand, this is where all the profesional photographers go.

Give it a shot (NOT a Cyber-Shot - L.O.L.)

Cheers,

Jaap

Hi I was contemplating purchasing some property in Pattaya. The deal is, I already have a residence/house in BKK, and we (my family) has about a 100 rai plantation several hours North of BKK. I am a Thai citizen, so purchasing land is not a problem. I was looking for a small place in Pattaya that I could come up for weekends. I was eventually going to retire in Thailand, but wanted to/can afford to start buying now.

The questions that I have are as folows:

Do you think it would be better to buy a house or a condo? I really do not need that much space for a weekend getaway. I condo would probab ly suit me just fine, but the problem is I have a real fear about Thai condos because I have seen so many that once they get old, they start falling apart, and no one takes care of them. I really just don't trust that the condos will be kept up through the years. So I am asking about houses. But the problem with houses is if you are not there, then the problem is that people break into them. Basically, if you have a house, you cannot really leave it unattended, which this one would be as it is a weekend getaway type of thing.

Also, do you know of any communities that I could buy into with alot of Falang around? Like particular condos that alot of falangs own, or neighborhoods? When I was last in Pattaya I picked up the real estate papers where they were doing a new neighborhood of homes (cheap too) which included the company which would own the house for the new owner (falang). Are there any places like that that you know of? Thanks.

There's a new little development going-up, as we speak. It's unique location, very near the famed Silverlake Vineyard, is more than superb. The views from each villa are abolutely breath-taking ! ! ! Incredibly beautiful. The Winery Villas Estate is an exclusive 30 Villa development, built under European Management and managed by Europeans (Dutch). Top security and just 15 minutes from Pattaya; 5 minutes to Bangseray Beach. Have a look at their web-site: www.wineryvillas.com You can purchase a beautiful Eco Responsible small Villa there for 5.5 mil baht, on some 650 sqm of landscaped garden, your own private swimming-pool and you never ever have to worry about security, maintenance etc.

We have bought a larger Villa there, on 1/2 Rai ( 10.1 mil) and can't wait to move-in.

If you need more info., PM me.

Cheers.

Would like to visit Ko Samet this Saturday and Sunday. Never been there and wondering if anyone could recommend some inexpensive, CLEAN, accomodations. Since we will only be there to sleep, don't want to spend my money on a room but on activities. Any information would be appreciated, both on accomodations and activities.

Thanks

Without any shadow of a doubt, Koh-Samed is by far our most favorite 'retreat'. With it's prestine beaches and superb crystal clear water . . . . wauw, what a true little slice of heaven.

We have been in Thailand (near Pattaya) 18 years and have been going to Koh Samed all that time too.

There's only one (1) place for us, named Sai Keow Villa. This is a reasonably large resort, consisting of accommodtion blocks of 2 down-stairs and 2 upstairs rooms. Our priorities are just like wha you indiated: we're there for the beach, not to dwell in the room, other than a good night's sleep. The place is immaculately clean (includes the rooms) and each room has a bathroom.No hot water (in the standard rooms), but no wories, because the water isn't all that cold anyway. There's a fan in each room, which is more than sufficient.

The cost is 700.-per night, and this includes a couple of Breakfast tickets too.

You can have a look-see at http://www.saikaew.com/

Now; here are a few pointers you'ld do well to remember:

1. When you arrive at the jetty, simply walk down the only street (even the Irish have never been know to get lost !) and follow your nose all the way (very short walk) to the "Park Entrance". There you have to pay Falang Bt. 400.- Thai Bt. 200.- IF you have a work-permit and/or a Thai Driver's Licence, bring it along, since you hen pay the Thai rate. Once through this point, look straight ahead (towards the sea) and you will noticea big sign "Sai-Keow-Villa" at the right towards the end of the road; don't worry; you can not miss it.

2. All day long, on the fabulous beach, there's nothing to wory about; however, at suns-set, there wil be sand-flies. You'll never see them, but trust me, they're there. SO: bring spray (like OFF or similar) and DO spray your body ! !.

3. If yo are like us, you will probably go to your room, around 5~6 PM for a shower. When ou leave yor room, togo for dinner, make sure you spray the room with Mosquito spray. This way, when you come in for the night, after dinner etc., you will have a totally mosquito-free room, without he stink.

4. There is no fridge in your room; hat's why we always bring a small Chily-Bin and put some ice-cubes in it (buy from the neary shops), which then gives us cold water, apples etc. whenever we need them.

No; what makes this place on Koh Samed so nique, is that there's a beach about 800 meter in length. Ypou will see people from all over the world strolling before or after dinner. There is a enormous choice of little eating places, bars etc. along the beach and if you're into super seafood, turn right, after you step on the sand in fromt of Sai Keow Villa and try the first large seafood place, right next to the place that also sports a 'Disco'. This disco is like a disco from the 70's - aboluely brilliant.

You will alo find, to your astonishment, that the prices charged in all these places are even cheper than in Pattaya's primitive restaurants. E.g., a reasonable bottle of wine is cheaper here than on the mainland (we could never figure this one out either !).

In any event; if you heed my little pieces of advice, you will have an unforgettable wekend,I guarantee it !

If you need any further advice, cal m anytime (081 847 35 76) I'l be more than happy to help.

Best Regards,

JGK/Pattaya

when my village was surveyed quite a few years ago , the owners of houses and land were given Chanot title deeds. Since then many more houses have been built in the village on land not previously surveyed. Those houses do not have a chanot .

Does anyone know WHY it is such a problem for someone from the land office / government dept ,to come and survey the other land and properties in the village and issue chanots for those Without.

I have been told I must wait like everyone else and eventually they will get to my village ?

Friends of mine have been told the same - 5 years ago ?

Any help or advice on what can be done or what I can do to speed up the process, other than pay a bribe , which I also tried with no joy. Obviously I didnt offer enough money .

Sir,

You fail to mention what the 'legal-status' of the land in question currently holds ?

Perhaps, by reading through the info. below, you may be able to address some of your questions & concerns ?

So, once you are able to ascertain the current legal status, come back to this forum again.

Cheers,

JGK/Pattaya

TYPES OF CERTIFICATES OF RIGHTS TO LAND

Sor Kor 1

Is a certificate issued by the relevant local authority representing entitlement of a person to possess land in accordance with the request for registration of such person.

Such certificate is not considered a certificate of ownership of the real property.

In the case of any dispute arising over the rights to the plot of land, this certificate is required to prove possession and, therefore, the person whose name appears in Sor Kor 1 certificate will be in a stronger position. Nonetheless, evidence recording the real possession is required. Since Sor Kor 1 does not represent any ownership right of real properties, it can not be mortgaged.

Nor Sor 3

Is a certificate issued by the relevant local Land Department Authority certifying the usage of land of the person entitled thereto. No aerial survey photo of the land has been taken. Therefore, there is no specific position of the land being identified.

Any real property transaction in connection with Nor Sor 3 which requires registration with the local land authority must be published for an objection to be made (if any) for a period of 30 days.

The person whose name appears as the owner of Nor Sor 3 has a right to transfer, sell, dispose of and mortgage the Land upon registration with the relevant local land department in accordance with the Land Code and other regulations, notifications and announcements relating to it. Any transaction in connection with the real property (except where the lease is not more than 3 years) must be registered with the relevant local land authority and will be shown at the back of Nor Sor 3.

Nor Sor 3 Kor

Is a certificate issued by the relevant local Land Department Authority certifying the usage of land of the person entitled thereto. An aerial survey photo of the land has been taken which makes Nor Sor 3 Kor different from Nor Sor 3. The result of having an aerial survey photo is an ability to identify the exact position of the land boundary.

The person whose name appears as the owner of Nor Sor 3 Kor has a right to transfer, sell, dispose of and mortgage the Land upon registration with the relevant local land department in accordance with the Land Code and other regulations, notifications and announcements relating to it. Any transaction in connection with the real property (except where the lease is not more than 3 years) must be registered with the relevant local land authority and will be shown at the back of Nor Sor 3 Kor.

Chanot (Title Deed)

Is a certificate of ownership of real property in which the person whose name appears as the owner has a real property right to transfer, sell, dispose of and mortgage the Land upon registration with the relevant local land department, including the lease.

The Burgers at Bedrock in Ban Phe are very good, especially with real Aussie beetroot.

Whereas one chap is mixing-up his words by trying to think of the phrase "Contradiction-In-Terms" here's another diluted individual, who associates BEETROOT with "A GREAT BURGER" . . . . . . Ugh !

In Aussie & K1W1 lands, you know a bit about Rugby and Cricket, but PLEASE, don't confuse the exact science of Great Burgers with the hapless attempts of the latter in your countries ! ! !

I shall never forget my first "Hamburger" in N.Z.; purchased from a "Take-Away-Shop" (another yakki phenomena !). On the large menu-board, a wide choice of "burgers" was featured.So; being very hungry (NO; not bloody "peckish" ! !) I ordered a Bacon, Mushroom and Cheese Burger. Once I got outside (it is expected to consume your "prize" while walking around on the sidewalk, preferably in your 'walking-shorts' (again: yakki !) and took the first bite, I noticed straight away that they had forgotten the main ingredient, namely the patty of meat; i.e. THE BURGER in the Hamburger . . . . I walked back into the shop and explained my problem to them. "Oh; if you want a meat-patty in your burger, it will be charged as an EXTRA ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

So; c'mon Aussies & Kiwis; stick to the stuff you know and know this: sticking BEETROOT into a HAMBURGER is pure sacriledge ! ! In the US and Canada, the mere suggestion of this insane practice will get you instantly shot ! And rightfully so, because you will be known as HAMBURGER-TERRORIST ! !

JGK/Vancouver-Canada

Perhaps some members of this forum will remember an "ancient" device from 30-40 years ago called a slide rule.

It looked a little like a ruler and was used for doing calculations before the arrival of calculators.

I have the markings (ie scales) of a slide rule that I can print out from a PDF file.

But I'd like to find a small shop to fabricate a slide rule for me.

Anyone know of a place? If they only speak Thai, that is OK.

I just need a craftsman who would take the time to understand the requirements.

Thanks

It all depends on where you are, in Thailand. I know a chap in Pattaya who coud do this, no problem; and he speaks perfect English as well.

Cheers

JGK/Pattaya

081-847 35 76

I've had my little Hutch-pod for almost a year now. It 'claims' to achieve a speed of 3.1 Mb per second, but I only ever get 150 Bytes/sec. (max) out of it. My location is Pattaya. I am very curious about the experiences of other Hutch users nationwide ?

I have to many TV's but need them. Older condos do not have hookups in each room.

Does anyone have a suggestion regarding a wireless TV broadcast system.

I assume a unit would be hooked up to the UBC Box, then transmitting to some receiver

attached to the various TV's ..... Any thoughts or suggestions on this one?

Much appreciated.

Very good question; please let me know if you learn anything.If I do; I'll come back to you, okay ?

[email protected]

Pattaya

Sawasdee Khrup, TV Friends,

Once again our local loudspeakers attached to telephone pole are blaring, only it's not 6PM when they usually have a quiet program of a speech followed by some music; it's not an emergency I know of (like the floods three (four ?) years ago), to my knowledge no one of great importance to the country has died.

No : it's afternoon, and the music playing is corny luk theung complete with western style rock guitar riffs.

To my knowledge the major Thai event on the horizon, culturally, will be the beginning of Vassa (Awk Pansa) about July 8. This seems like an early and out-of-tune warm-up for Vassa.

So maybe the Phu Yai Moo Baan's son or daughter wants to be a deejay and has been given the keys to the sound equipment ?

Just curious if this is also happening at noon in your neighborhood.

It was a quiet neighborhood

thanks, ~o:37;

Mate; I symphatize with you. I was rudely introduced to this absurd phenomena when visiting my wifes home; a small farm (220 Rai) between Kabin Buri <> Sae Keow; approx. 2 hour drive from our home in Pattaya.

I particularly love the mornings there; so tranquil, so peaceful and still fairly cool . . . . . I would sit there, with my bowl of coffee and slowly, heavenly wake-up, taking in the "Real Thailand" view and count my blessings. My wife and I have been married for 17 years and her mom & dad are super-people and I keep counting my blessings.

A year or so back, I am going through this morning-ritual, enjoying the hel_l out of it, when suddenly, for no apparent reason, from the top of the light-post accross the sandy road came this incredibly loud noise. And I mean 1,000,000 decibels of volume, from this relativelly small speaker. All of a suden, I thought I was in some big Shopping Mall, where some idiots on microphones triy to sell or promote Toyota Pick-Up trucks, or something like that.

The 'peace' and 'quiet' were rudely interrupted by this incredbly horrible voice, with intermittent horrible and horribly sounding music, again at an incredible volume.

I sat as frozen by an unexpected nuclear blast and actually started shaking; it had sared the living daylights out of me.

When I sort of recoverd, I asked my father-in-law what the hel_l was going on. He (being used to this idiotic crap) nodded; it had started a few weeks ago and they really disliked it too. "What are you going to do about it" I asked him. Then he looked me straight in the eyes and I saw him think - hmmm, yeah; one CAN do something about it . . . . So I went inside and came out with a pair of plyers, which he took from my hands, sauntered across the road; proceeded to effortlesly climb that pole (he was 65 at the time) and when he reached the point where the wire was attached to the speaker, he simply snipped that wire and the blissful peace & quiet instantly replaced that blaring garbage !

A few months later I asked how it went with the noise problem; oh well, he said, they came to fix it once, so I cut it again - after that they never bothered to hook it up again. It's been tranquil and peaceful eversince.

Ha, ha, ha,

JGK/Pattaya

I need to replace Kitchen cabinets and doors, can anyone recommend a decent cabinet maker, sure this has been a topic before but unable to find anything.

Thanks.............

Hi; I know and nderstand what you require and I know just the place where you should go. I've been in Pattaya for almost 18 years. These people did my kitchen and I am chuffed ! They're not expensive, but they know what they're doing. Give me a ring on 081-847 35 76 and I'll point you in their direction, okay ?

Cheers,

JGK/Pattaya

The new catamaran that will ply the high seas between Pattaya and Hua Hin was launched this week.

(A similar boat will be used to ferry people from the mainland near Trat to Koh Mak.)

Youtube video

In any other civilized country in the world, this floating-creation' would never ever be able to obtain a license to carry (ferry) people for money across a stretch of water such as what is proposed in this particular case. This cat has been built for maximum 'pasenger-outlook-enjoyment' but far below the minimum requirements for the safety of those same passengers.

We're talking about a chunck of water where it can (and invariably does !) 'spook', as we sailors call it. The large windows and the way too high super-structure (steering-house on the top) are potential helpless victims to high-running seas and would not last very long, even in moderate 'spook' conditions. This boat, in my humble opinion (I was born on the sea and sailed her all my life) is an accident waiting to happen !

Sofar he boat; now about this launch clip. The only thing which comes to mind is "Mickey Mouse". And if they really believe that setting of some firecrackers, to ward off evil spirits, will keep this vessel and its pasengers safe, they are surely kidding themselves ! !

Again; such a 'pleasure-craft' contraption would never achieve a Lloyd's rating beyond 1/2 nM off shore (if that) and that has something to do with 'insurability', you figure out the conclussions of that.

I, for one, would never ever risk that crossing (from Pattaya to Hua-hin) on a vessel like his, even if my life depended on it: and it most certainly would !

It will be interesting to see if and how the owner of this "fairy ferry" gets licensed by the responsible authorities; I'll be following this one up, since I truly believe that this is a "crime in the making".

JGK/Pattaya

PS: Re-enforcing this 'Mikey Mouse ambiance' is the statement by the owner about the road-trip taking 9.5 hours . . . . . and he expects ME to trust HIM with my and my family's lives on 'that' thing ? ? Got to be kidding !

Does anybody know Rose Land & House? Does anybody have or had any deals or expirience with them?

There's little wrong with this Rose Land & House, apart from the fact that you virtually have to 'drive-through-hel_l-to-get-to heaven', which is what most of these type of developments in East-Pattaya have in common. Especially now, with the new traffic-lights installed all along the new Railway roads, it causes massive delays in getting to one's destinations, there. Better check-out developments like The Winery Villas Estate (www.wineryvillas.com) we have opted to have a place built there; quiet guaranteed and the views are truly breath-taking - and only 15 minutes of nice, uninterupted highway-travel from downtown Pattaya.

JGK/Pattaya

I really don't see the point of this.

Do they seriously think that by issuing free tourist visas it is going to increase the number of tourists coming to Thailand?

Firstly, how would any potential tourists even know that the visa was free until they went to apply for one. It's not as though the news of this wonderful freebie is going to be plastered all over the press, radio and TV.

And secondly, once they goe to apply for said visa, they have probably already booked their holiday or their flight, so the fact that it is free will no no way influence their decision to come here.

If this is the best idea they can come with to boost tourism, then they are in for a lean time in the coming months.

'PONG', you're missing the 'PING' !

You sign off with:

“Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.”

— Buddha

Better start practising what you're preaching . . . . or, from now on be known as Moby-DICK.

Perhaps look at this free-visa-effort as something POSITIVE; and maybe it infers that the Thai Government is beginning to wake-up a bit to the needs of the country ?? Give them a chance; obviously your keepers gave you (more than) one ?!?

JGK/Pattaya

I was in LK Metro and Soi Buakaow last night and in most parts it was deserted.

I was one of two customers in Champagne ago-go not much before midnight and one of five customers in Oasis around the same time.

I noticed the hel_l Club has re-opened and is now called The Devils Den

I don't visit the area that much but It's the quietest i've ever known it.

I live on the Darkside and its just as quiet there in that many expats who used to frequent the bars around Maprachan Lake and could be seen on a regular basis have mostly gone back to their respective countries.

I see very few of the same expat guys from eighteen months ago.

Been in Pattaya 18 years and I can tell you that itis very normal patterned seasonal behaviour for the town (City) to be "dead". The atual 'tourist-seasons' here are as follows:

December ~ March High-Season

July ~ August Mini High Season

That's dealing with the European Tourist.

In addition, we have (usually) an substantial influx of Asian tourists. These are mostly organized Tours from China, Korea, Taiwan and (believe it or not) increasingly more, from India.

The only problem with this tourism-sector is, that very little revnue stays in Thailand, for obvious reasons.

But to give you some idea, there are tourism venues, right here in Terrific Pattaya, who cater to upwards of 3,500 Asia tourist PER DAY !

And that, my friends, is the stuation in Pattaya: this also means that most Tourism Oriented venues will make big bucks during those 6 odd months.

The people who survive, are those who put away some (overhead) funds earned during the high-season months, in order to get trhough the lean periods.

The thing about why Pattaya is my favorite place is Thailand is that I am a fervent sailor. Chiangmai wold be torture to me; Phuket, where most people walk around with $$-signs in their eyes, would be a living hel_l to me and Bangkok, with it's unbelievable polluted traffic goes beyond my comprehension.

Pattaya:

1. Great Sailing (one can do is own thing, or join clubs like the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, Lung-Chart's etc.)

2. Great Shopping-Food (I can buy virtually everything I can buy at home, such as breads, cheeses, rolmops, hck; they even have chocolate hail now !)

3. Great Shopping-All else

4. Unbelievable array of restaurants, most of which do NOT charge inflated prices; just good value for money)

5. Second-Hand Book Shops; there are some 1/2dozen places where one could easily spent a couple of hours discovering little gems

6. Located with super easy access to Bangkok; Airports and the gateway into the great Thai' Hinterland.

Love Thailand; Love Pattaya

JGK

Pattaya

The weather is great in August, however; that should be your least worry, be on the alert for speeding tuk tuk/taxis, pick-pockets, ladyboys street gangs. Now think again to you really wan to hang out in Pattaya. Chaing Mai might be a bettr choice.

Not sure where you were hanging out in Pattaya, but the picture you paint here is a bit distorted

RARO: RIGHT ON !

Geez; I have been living and working in Pattaya for almost 18 years and I have yet to be Pick-Pocketed; Hit by a Tuk-Tuk (shows you what this Big-Snake knows: we have no Tuk-Tuks in Pattaya !); assaulted by neither Lady-Boys nor Street Gangs. Perhaps "Big-Snake" should change his handle to "Big-Mouth" ?

Anyway; August in Pattaya is blissful; the weather is great; when it rains, it normally does so eiher late afternoon, or middle of the night and most importantly, since it is in he bottom of the Low-Season, Hotels are very competative (read: cheap)

By the way, Raro; noticed your little Bob Geldof quote, but I wonder if it shouldn't start with "The politically correct" ?

Cheers mate,

JGK/Pattaya

My friend is looking at buying a new laptop computer, and is trying to find out which Brands of Computers

actually have a Service Centre situated in the Pattaya area... do you know of any ...?

Thanks

TL

Hi TL,

I have worked/live in Pattaya for almost 18 years. I can highly recommend the single largest Computer Store in Pattaya:

Wattana Computer Sales & IBM Service Co LtdAddress : 512/15, Moo 9, Opp Foodland, Central Pattaya

Phone : 038 374 073, 038 421 786-7

Fax : 038 428 733

Email : [email protected]

Description : Wattana Computer Shop is the largest computer shop which offers office equippment, computers products. It also has a very sizable maintenance & service department.

Like I said, there are many 'fly-by-night' outfits and 'fast-talking' sales places, but IF you are looking for reliability and integrity, then deal with the place where I have dealt throughout my entire "Thai Life": Wattana.

Cheers,

Pattaya

JGK