anon456

Sir, this conversation wasn't with you so why do you feel that you should even comment? I would almost guarantee that I have traveled successfully in more parts of the world than you have just from your rather simple-minded response. What's with this site that there are so many snarky small-minded people who wants to cast aspersions at people they don't even know? Being the first generation child of an immigrant I am well aware of the sensitivities of foreign travel. Unless I ask for your input or comments, keep them to yourself, please.

That's interesting. I'm not at all sure that Chiang Mai will be my chosen home in the long term for some of the reasons you mentioned. I really want to get established into the expat community wherever I settle and the sex thing is part of it. This place is just a wee bit tame, tired and quiet for me, although everyone has been lovely for the most part. My two real frustrations are the transportation challenges and the communication. I do not want to drive in this city so am left trying to explain where I need to go to drivers who often have no clue what I'm talking about, even when I'm holding a print-out of "Taxi Directions" in Thai from a website. I traveled all over the world, but have never been anywhere where there is such a complete absence of rudimentary English skills from everyone, including those in service industries that survive because of expat dollars. I am seriously considering moving to Medellin, Colombia in March but I'm keeping an open mind and trying to enjoy the journey. I went out and had a wild night last night at a bar called Circle Pub. Ended up with two boys at a no-tell motel and then walking for miles trying to find a tuk-tuk at 2 a.m. I do need to check out the beach cities before I make a firm decision, though, as maybe Phuket, Pattaya or other place might be a better fit. I believe I was one of maybe 3 gay men at the big expat general meeting yesterday and everyone looked ancient to me....reminding me of my years living in the Palm Springs area! Anyway, thanks for elevating my vocabulary as I had never heard the term, "Sexpat". Classic.

Interesting that you're looking for it. I'm down to my last half bottle and have taken it for years. I need to get some, too. Tried to find Niacin last week, no luck at all. So if anyone knows who carries these sorts of supplements, spill the beans, OK. Thanks.

Caveat: I do not want this to sound "holier-than-thou", but the subject brought up something I've been thinking about in my first month here in Thailand and Chiang Mai. I have received both outstanding and incredibly poor service since I've been here. Interestingly, I was so disgusted with how (frustratingly) poor customer service had gotten in the U.S. before I left in late August that I had low expectations when I arrived anyway. Luckily, I live in a condo building with wonderfully responsive and reliable staff who have facilitated much of the installation for both internet and cable TV. Those specific-type firms are held in low esteem from my experience back home, so I did not think they would be any better here. What I have found, however, is this sort of ambivalence from some staff in dealing with farang customers. Personally, I feel that it's a language and ego issue for them. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have traveled all over the world. I have never been in a place where so many front line and customer service staff have no English proficiency at all. Now, here's where I will receive comments, I'm sure. The truth is, English, followed closely by French, is the world's international language. In many key international industries, it is the "official" language for communication (commercial aviation for example). It would improve the guest/customer/tourist experience exponentially if all these front line staff members were given an elemental course in English and would mitigate many of these communication-based customer issues, IMHO. I will casually step off my soap box now and await the onslaught of ugly American comments no doubt headed my way....

I should have added a very important point in my initial posting. I am living in Chiang Mai but visit BKK regularly as things are rather quiet up here it seems....unless someone knows differently, of course.....

OK, so I have been here for less than a month and am planning to be here 6 month to a year. 55 year old semi-retired guy who doesn't necessarily look or act his age. Blond, clean-cut, smart and fun. Renting a nice condo off Chang Klan. Planning to attend the expat group functions coming up, as well as supporting some of the performing arts venues. So where to hang out just to have a drink and meet some other gay guys? Are there bars that fanang tend to frequent? What's the best time here...happy hours? Late at night? Just trying to meet people and get a better handle on life here in this amazing place. Thanks for any advice, suggestions or mindless fodder....

http://www.accuweather.com/en/th/chiang-mai/317505/satellite/317505

I had good luck with ChiangMai Properties. Their office is across (sort of) from the Shangri La. Eak there showed me around and was very patient. I found a place in that price range here at The Shine Condominiums between Chang Klan and Chareon Prathet. Good luck!

OK, I have a Type B 1-year non-immigrant visa and have until Nov. 21. So if I leave like on the 18th and come back, say, the 23rd, am I still OK, or do I need to return on the Nov. 21? Then does anyone know what I do after four of these visa runs and I've ended my one-year expiration?

OK, five days here from America (total newbie) after securing a one-year non-immigrant visa. I naively thought that the "multiple entry" aspect meant I didn't have to do a visa run every 90 days, but that seems not to be the case. My quick, albeit silly question is, is there a grace period before or after the 90 days to do a visa run or do I need to return to Thailand on the exact day (90 days after issue)? I'm a Virgo and details like this cause me unnecessary angst....

This is all great info and much appreciated. I just signed for a 6 month lease on a condo off Chang Khlan Rd. yesterday and will be needing some of these supplies.