PMZ

also watching, interesting subject

In the past, The Oriental and the ShangRiLa both had small dinner boats running, they were fantastic, high quality and great food, but I think they have stopped now. I went on one of those in your list in December (cannot name for the crazy defamation rules in Thailand). It was me and three Thai people. They loved it, they indulged heavily in the prawns and salmon and other foods. I found all of the food sub-par. Overall it was good to see some of the sights along the river, the music was cringeworthy but a bit of fun, getting drinks was painful and slow, had to settle each bill as you buy etc. For me, it was OK, glad I did it for my guests and they had a good time, but I would not go again in that format, I would pefer better food and no loud music, so I would try to find one of the small quality food cruises. But just one old man's opinion.

Location-wise, the fireworks stretch from the Shangri-La Hotel / Jacks Bar, up to about the level of IconSiam. They are launched from barges on the river. So any hotel that can see the river around that area, on either side of the river will work. Or airbnb, as there are many hi-rise condos with balconies in that area.

In the past year or so, I have found Bolt to be better in almost every aspect on ride business. Always cheaper and usually about the same arrival times. My only complaint is that they do not add Tolls into the bill, which always made it easier for my business expenses but, I still prefer Bolt.

Following. I have tried a few times to get recommendations, but no luck so far. I have used a couple of guys (interior wall and bathroom re-tiling, but no one I would recommend so far. I am in Thong Lo. Where are you based, as some general tradesmen will not travel far around Bangkok.

Many years ago I used Paya to re-upholster a sofa and some dining chairs, they are expensive but very high quality work. https://share.google/BCSsX9BihKgwQkgMC

What is the reality behind the Toyota and Honda announcements in the past weeks in 'hydrogen ICE nearing reality'? Is this likely soon? Is it a threat to the emerging EV market? Or will they coexist?

Great trip report, many thanks.

I have consulted with these guys, about CIE, but they also do traditional hearing aids. They have many branches. Eartone: Ear, Hearing Aids and Balance Medical Center (Sukhumvit 42 Branch). https://www.eartone.com/index.php Else also consider: https://www.siamhearing.com/en/ I have not used these guys, but they came on my radar a few times

There is no 'cause and consequence' taught as part of schooling or parenting here, very little thought is given to 'what happens if I do this'. I ride a motorbike here in Bangkok (15 years now) and you need to watch for the possible 'actions' of everyone at all times.

The one you mentioned on Thong Lo still has three experienced and mature guys doing barber work, and all are great, I have been going to that barbers for years, i love it.

I can highly recommend watching from Jack's Bar, it is at the boat pier next to the ShangriLa Hotel. You will need to book or get there early. Best prices for drinks and great food. I watched the fireworks there two years ago for NY, the launch barges are just 150m away.

That would be the PhayaThai to Suvarnabhumi line

The '26' is because it is in the 26th sub soi of Ramkamhaeng. It is a mostly Thai area, also with a big University. It depends what you want it for, rental/investment or for you to live there. If it is for you to live in, where do you have to go for work? This is far from the main Sukhumvit area, so only useful if you work in that area. There is a lot of traffic in this area and no BTS/MRT at present (coming I believe). If it is for investment/rental, it is an OK area as many Thai's to rent it and also many Uni students. You would need to check the rental values of the building at the noticeboards in the building or online. It will not be high rental rates.

I lived in OnNut Soi 17 for many years, we had many snakes on the Moobaan, most of those were venomous.. That looks like a Banded Kukri snake.