pluto_manibo

Yes, visa free for Thais.

I have never ridden one but what appeals top me, is the fact that they are sold and assembled here, large distribution of parts, warranty and mechanics who(supposedly!) know how to maintain and service the bike. The echoes from owners is that they are vastly underpowered and a lot of people have been disappointed by the stock performance of the bike. Frankly, I am considering using it for trails and roads in the countryside as well as getting in and around town. Is it a fun bike, any issues, Kawasaki service any good, any recommendations for mods etc...and reviews from owners?

1.Mantra on the beginning of Beach road (Amari hotel)

2.Hilton for cocktails and buffet

3.Trattoria Toscana for Italian food

4. Churasceria Brazilian buffet in front of Central Beach Pattaya (soi 9)

5. Rimpa Lapin in Ban Amphur, great setting on the beach..seafood

Same old story...people want things to stay the same -- or even better, go backwards -- so that they can enjoy their holiday the way they want it; never mind the benefits of development (with its pluses and minuses) for the locals or their increased prosperity. And they want people to not go there -- except them.

It's understandable -- I wish I could go back to the Koh Samui that I first saw 25 years ago - but foolish and selfish. And so, so predictable.

Of course SBK is right, "The Beach" wasn't on Samui (though some of it was set there) but while it was still a pretty place at the time, the idyllic and unspoiled Koh Samui was gone before Garland wrote that book.

That's the way it goes...people have been making these complaints about various places for hundreds of years. One of the benefits of being an ancient and boring Old Asia Hand is you can not only have memories of how much better things used to be back oin the day, you can say, "Well you should have seen it when I first came to Thailand/Samui/Chiang Mai..." --But guess what? Peopl said that to me when I first came here.

Spot on Steelejoe. I lived in Samui from 95-98 and it was well on its way to being developed. Garland was also complaining about Samui being too commercial back then as well, hence the search to go look off the beaten path for "The Beach". It is what it is....It doesn't have any appeal to me now but suits a lot of people...

I saw one last week helping himself to water bottles, bananas and assorted fruits from the Buddha altar next to the Banyan tree on walking street!

RIP Jimmy

Thank you!

I was due to report to Immigration on the 5th of June 2011(as stated on the paper slip stapled in my passport). I have, however left the country and returned on the 29th of May 2011. The Immigration officer stamped me in and left the paper slip in my passport (90 report on 5th of June 2011). From my understanding, I can disregard the slip of paper and count my 90 days from the moment I re-entered the county on the 29th of May 2011. Am I right or wrong? Why do the immigration officers not take out the slips when not needed. Thank you for baring with my newbie-ness on what should be a simple matter.

Can anyone recommend good hotels in the US$100-140/night range in Hong Kong? Which area is best for sightseeing etc...Any other tips? Thank you.

I would have asked for 900 baht credit for any other purchase in their store...

I just started a dragon tattoo, it's 9' 4" long and wraps around my leg. The head is on my tummy and the tail just touches my foot. The pain around my knee, (especially on the kneecap), and on my tummy was intense. What do you guys do to cope with the pain? I have many tattoos already but this one just hurt too much.

I just read this and have to tell you something you wont like! ;-)

More tattoos you have/get more pain you will experience!

I am covered my complete upper body and half of my legs and i dicussed this with a few other guys and tattoo artists and they all say the same,more tattoos you get more pain you get!

And there is nothing to do about it...you want to be a tattooed bad ass,then swallow the pain and dont cry!;-)

peace

My whole back, upper chest, upper arms and left thigh are covered with tattoos, the only part that hurt is the ribcage. The more i got, the less it hurt. My first was in 1985. The dragon didn't really hurt except for the abdomen and the knee. All i wanted to know was if anyone had any hints about pain reduction, not some superhero's bullshit.

Please tell me what a tattooed bad ass is? No one see's my tattoos most of the time other than my wife.

For me, a goodnights' rest and a good meal before the tattoo session is the only thing. Drugs, alcohol, medication, numbing cream are not recommended. I find that tolerance to pain is greatly improved with a healthy body and mind. You might want to space out the sessions in 3 hr slots....every week or so.

Homepro in carrefour has a nice selection.

I just bought a new bike and asked the seller the exact same question. His reply was that, Thailand will always have some petrol stations selling 91, they will just be more scarce. The truth remains to be seen....

I am looking for a Buell in good condition with all the proper registration work. Either an xb9 or xb12 model. Any addresses or recomendations? Thanks.

Does it have the original engine or a Toyota transplant? Furthermore, does it run on LPG?

I plan on driving up to Nong Khai and spend a week in Laos. I heard of a secure parking right before the Friendship bridge but the latest news is that there is some road construction taking place and the parking is much smaller and usually full! Does anyone have any up to date information? What are the rates per day? Thanks,

Are there any other places offering a Thanksgiving feast?

$12,000 for sex!! I would have trashed the room as well...

!.5 million US$, is 45,000,000 THB. If you spent 30,000 baht a month to live( you can live decently on that, many teachers do). 1 year is 360,000 THB, 3 years is 1,200,000 THB. so if you have 45,000,000 baht you have enough money to live a modest live for the next 35-37 years. If you doubled your montly spending to 60,000 baht(that would be a great life). You would have enough money to live for another 20-22 years and never have to work. Do the math it's a no brainer. You said your in your early fifties. Your life expectancy is another 20 - 25 years. You got enough money now to just get a retirement visa here in Thailand and just chill. I wouldn't consider this a mid life crisis. This is something to celebrate.

Do the math it's a no brainer

360000 x 35 = 12600000

45000000 gives you 125 years on 30K a month

$1.5 million is worth +/- 45,000,000 Baht now, however it could be worth 25 baht/$1 in a couple of months, this would equal Baht37,500,000....other factors to take into consideration are; inflation, medical/life insurance/ rent vs buying/ more free time(therefore more inclined to spend)etc... I wouldn't want to live on 30k a month. I don't think that anyone who wouldn't have to, would like it. I know it is possible, but it is far from being comfortable...I still think you could easily retire by investing wisely, budgeting for the first few years and planning for the future. It is an ample amount to work with and live a comfortable life, just spend and invest wisely, especially in the beginning. Your financial plan should be varied and flexible, by this I mean you should invest in varied financial instruments..bonds, stock, funds, fx etc...spread it out to cover volatility and market trend. Choose a low cost country with all your necessities and do not spend most of your free time in bars and you should be fine.

Baking Soda works wonders as well, just add a little elbow grease!

Speaking from observation over the last 15 yrs, I think you must ask yourself what kind of existence they had back home before they came here? Maybe the fact that, they are away from family and friends, have no jobs or hobbies, no social network and too much free time, contributes to them seeking company in bar beers either with chit chat with fellow expats or local ladies.

I buy them at Villa. They have 4-5 different flavors, cherry, apple cinnamon. blueberry, strawberry...

^^^Its' The Fishermans' Rest!

I can't believe some of the comments on this thread! This man has seen it all and done it all, formed one of the biggest bands in history, wrote many hits as a session player, scored movies, was involved in the occult etc etc........and after it all, he dedicates his time to charity events, not only in Thailand. For a man of his stature and past accomplishments, to remain so humble and approachable, is a truly redeeming quality. I admit, he is one of my all time favourite guitar heroes and the reason I started playing as a kid....but with a small exception to the rule, meeting your idols is mostly always a disappointment and Mr' Page would be that exception!

Rainbow Bar and Grill, Sunset Strip, Hollywood. Legendary hangout for rock stars...with great food and atmosphere!