fire2rescue99

You might try something like: " I really appreciate you all inviting me to lunch everyday and I know it's your chance to relax for a moment away from the office. I have been trying to learn Thai, but the pace of the conversation is so fast that I can't follow along at lunch. Can I impose on the group to teach me one thai word or phrase at lunch? " It's lame but acknowledges your co-workers and also asks them for a little help.

Despite you thinking that you are not here for company of the fairer sex, that will be the single most thing that will be a source of trouble for you. It's inevitable, unavoidable and universal. Most of what you see and hear will not be as it seems. Even thai people that you consider friends sometimes lie or keep the truth from you. You'll have a great time fumbling your way forward. Keep your wits about yourself and you'll be fine.

Cheers

There is some sort of offshore safety training school in Si Racha that is run by a Norweigian. It's taught in English. I don't know if the Boiset is part of the curriculum.

Tequila Reef Cantina in Pattaya is pretty darn good Mexican food for Thailand. They do a fresh guacamole (which tends to run out early in the evening) and their pico de gallo is fresh and tasty as well. Margaritas are better than you'll get many places stateside. I like going in there and speaking Spanish to the help.. it really messes them up.. ha ha, just for kicks..

There is a new place in Bangkok called Mamacita's. It's been open less than 2 weeks and is just a spot of a restaurant. I only had soft shell taco's there and they were fine. The coffee stood out as being good. It's run by a Singaporean lady. It's located between Sukhumvit 15 & 19. Go up 15 to the Dream Hotel and turn right towards Asoke. It's 2 doors towards Asoke on the left.

There's a Grandma in Issan that takes in strays and she treats their various skin ailments by covering them with used motor oil. I've seen the results and it's amazing. Now I'm sure there's someone that will fret over the hazards of covering a dog in oil, but these are dogs that have been cast aside by all and are the kind that everyone runs from/avoids. She nurses them back to health and they are eternally grateful to her. They end up being good natured, nice looking dogs. Just my bit...

You could always go to the Bus/Train station or airport and catch them while they are waiting with nothing to do. It may increase the number of people willing to help with your survey.

I don't know if this group counts as tourists or not, but why don't you post it here and collect your replies? You would get a full spectrum of answers and I bet some funny ones too.

Most people on vacation that are stopped on the street for surveys, think they are being approached by time shares sellers. And that usually is the case.

I once asked a taxi driver if I could drive and he pulled over and got out the car and we swapped seats. I drove the rest of the way home.

Just ask, most will let you

I had a buddy that was a taxi driver. Myself, the gf, my taxi buddy and another guy had a night out. When it was time to go home, the taxi driver and his buddy were pretty drunk. The gf refused to get in the car with them in that state. So, I ended up driving the taxi across town. We were stopped at a police check point and the cop was surprised to see me driving with two locals singing and hugging a bottle of Crown Royal in the back seat. He apparently didn't want to know more and kind of half waved me on and had a bewildered look on his face. The gf friend and I had a big belly laugh and continued on. Ever since then, I brag that I have been a taxi driver in Bangkok. Cheers

A Garmin Nuvi works fine. Yes, it probably could work better in the city, but out on the highway it's great. One thing to remember when programming, you can prioritize the fastest or shortest route. This may cause confusion on one's own part. That is, if you are going from Pattaya to Ban Chang (Rayong) and you request the shortest route, the unit will send you down unmarked country roads that cut across the foothills of the mountains. What you probably want is, the highway route, or faster way. The same thing applies while in Bangkok, while you may be going from Asoke to Phayathai, the unit may direct you to the expressway, rather the more direct city street route, depending which mode you are in. Another nice feature while on the highway, the Garmin alerts you to police boxes ahead and possible radar traps. Good luck!

Hello All,

slightly off topic, but still an extension of the train system. Is the airport link still planned to be opended in december this year, or are the more delays?

regards

Timo

P.S the staion at Hua Mark ( Srinakarin) seems to be finished soon....not sure about the main station on Makassan, though

Makkasan is looking good but nowhere near finished. I would say King's B-day December 2009 for the link to open.

For the last few years when we visit sin city the wife & I stay at the A1 Cruise hotel on beach road because of the proximity to the beach.

We pay abou 3400 a night and it is OK but I am getting a bit tired of it, anyone know of a similar standard hotel in Pattaya or better around the same price. Don't like noisy though.

Cheers.

I find soi 13 between Beach and Second to be very quiet. There is Sandy Springs or The Whitehouse Condotel. Both run about 1500THB/night. Very decent places. You are less about a minute from the beach. There's a great english pub situated between the two places I've mentioned, The Sportsman. That's my suggestion. Cheers

Thanks, I 'll check it out and contact you via your email.

Does anyone have a suggestion or knowledge of a serviced apartment in Hua Hin, Jomtien or Bang Saen? I have tried search engines and haven't found anything. Going with the family for a month at Christmas. Thanks

I especially like the pick-up trucks plying the streets of Samui and their blaring advertisements for the parties!

My wife and I would like to bring her Mom to the states for a visit. We have been married for 4 years and have 2 youngsters. Mom is getting on in years and simply would like to see how her daughter lives. We have visited Thailand once a year, so she has seen her grandchildren. Mom has no desire to stay in the USA. I suspect that she will not like it. When I married her daughter, she placed the house title into the sisters name. So, she has no real estate.

I know that it is hard to get a visa to the USA. Has anyone had a similiar expeience or can offer advice? Mom had already gotten her passport. Thanks.

Why gang up on a guy that simply makes an observation? He is correct, in the fact, that if yourself in a situation where it may be possible for you to be compromised, then unfortunate things may come your way.

On the other hand, for those that chose to go out and look at the world going by, don't be judgemental of them.

There are only two things that you have to do in life. Breathe and take up physical space.

Getting out of bed in morning has risks. Walking out the door incurs more risks. Everything else is a matter of degree and how you decide to approach life.

BTW, how many posts here in this thread violate the Terms of Service Agreement you all read and agreed to abide by? You bunch of meanies! What ? You didn't read it?

I am coming to Thailand 2 times later this year. Once will be less than a month and 1 time will be longer than a month.  Both trips will be completed within 4 months.  I have always traveled on a 30 day tourist visa upon entry.  As I will be in LOS for longer than a month on the second trip, I need to know what  visa should I apply for to enable me to travel on boths trips.

    If it helps, I can mention that I am traveling with my Thai wife and child from America in September and returning to the USA in 3 weeks.  They will stay there. (My son has a single entry visa)  I will return in November and we all will travel home to the US in December.  Thanks