Elkski

I will not relight  fireworks  like I have.  Maybe just leave this job to experts.   RIP.   

Grab price today with bonus in effect was 560 from  iconsiam to asoke.   Private driver hotel called quoted 260.   It was nice 26 min ride.  Dont tell me these taxi types dont make enough money.   

I wonder if greed is so strong the over 75 type with blue cross blue shield type plans will ever think of their children and grandchildren?  I worry  greed is to strong. 

15 hours ago, Jane Dough said:

Expect worse to come, especially increased prices. Thailand will be introducing land and property taxes that will be particularly onerous on people doing short term lets. The change in the law is one way to penalize the people making a fortune with AirBnB though it has not been billed as that. The increase in taxes will be passed onto the consumer. Soon those praising ABnB will be wishing that hotels would make a resurgence. Just like the Grab and Uber crew will be reminiscing about the glory days of taxis. 

 

Mark my sage words. 

 

Rooster

I think rooster  is correct.  I thought the new tax proposal was specifically to target  hotel competition.    

I guess at least 2 couldn't swim.   What  mind would go on water if they cant swim? Drinking probably  involved.   Rip

Well we had a couple airbnb cancellations but ended up within walking distance of icomsiam.  Now I understand why many wont be doing a crowd like that again.    Firework show was intense, repetitive  and brief by USA standards.   A little over 5 min compared to 15-45  mins.  Almost needed hearing  protection.    Crowd control here and ingress egress are not ideas Thais comprehend it appears.  Could have easily been a dangerous stampede upon or human crushing at exit time.  A severe bottle neck on the south corner of the building.  

I can understand  both sides to this issue.  I think  I don't don't cause any more disturbance  on a condo but cn imagine the real party people have.  Some of the condos I have stayed at have been professionally decorated and make you feel like you are at home or in an art gallery Museum. 

It's so nice to have a knife and cutting board and coffee machine and toaster and microwave and refrigerator so you do not have to eat meals outside every meal. 

Anyway the latest update is I have been refunded both of the canceled condos including the fees.  Customer service said it is  rare against policy but they totaled up my 10% sorry coupons from both cancellation plus the difference in price for the booking of my current stay and the original and deducted it from a upcoming stay

 2500 baht  total.  Really not a very satisfactory outcome considering it was so hard for me to find bookings at the last minute in the Asiatique area due to the holiday.  I would say hotel bookings must be in the 99% range this holiday season.   I do have to say Asiatique was very busy and as far as Chinese consumers not spending as much as westerners it is not true when you are talking about a eating event like Asiatique. The current place is a nice little hotel but the room is small and only a refrigerator and a sink so much reduced enjoyment Factor compared to the original 45 m condo overlooking the river with kitchen and seating couch TV area. 

I think anyone who buys a condo not considering that all the rooms will be full one way or the other and have been enjoying condos with one or two permanent tenants per floor are going to be surprised with reality  in the future.  

From what I understand a person on a 30-day tourist visa does not need to have time's at all and cant get in trouble  upon  leaving Thailand.   Some people talk about having safety and fire rules the same as a hotel or whatever if your condo is safe for you it should be safe for a person renting your room by the day. Overall I'm disgusted by you old curmudgeon stick-in-the-mud types and I think ilk like you are one of the problems in the world today. 

Ww did order a  bosch 2000watt unit for 4500bht with some extra filter bags.  Can use with bags or not.  It was free delivery.  It arrived.  I did consider a wet dry unit.  Mom and sister are waiting for us to open the box. I brought dust masks for us. 8$. 

I had to many bags   (4 )for bts as I  had daily cold food bag and gifts plus my clothes.  3 free check on bags on delta  but I only used  2 and no where near the max size or weight. I was not going to actual asiatique  but a condo  nearby.  As it was I walked a long distance.   I bet I've put 20 km on the Costco carry on luggage.   Usually with a 2nd bag on top.   I thought I read where the government  stated  that taxi's  must accept a rider if they choose to stop and encouraged tourists to report taxis who would not take a  fare or use the meter. 

How can normal thai people afford an 50 baht eachavocado  or even a 80 baht/ kg mango?  These re more than utah prices.  Granted mangos rarely so good as sometimes found  here.  Same for beer. Cheap swill  singha 37 baht 80 at dinner.  Assume many thai make 50 baht/hour. Daily Bts ride is 10% of net income. Cheap meal 40-50 baht.   When will the people rise up and demand their share?  I feel sorry  to see everyone with no way out of their current situation.  

Did see police pulling over  for no helmets  yesterday but also man going through red light because  he can.   This am having  coffee at a sidewalk  stall  and man from a parked minivan for hire comes up and  gets  bottle of soap 20 baht.  I guess he implied he was with us  and we would pay. Barista even bagged it for him. Then as he drove off she asked if were with  him.  This is the thai  criminal  mind.  Imho.  This guy has done like this before.  He saw an opportunity.   

I do think I got booted for a higher price guest because condo was such a good deal compared to what I had to pay for <deleted>ty room last minute.  I may never use airbnb again.  

So luggage causes wear on elevator or just less room for your body?

I do not think some of these Foreigner  who run a 15 unit airbnb business is good but one upcoming  stay is a retired  nurse just starting her condo.  Cant blame  her.  Maybe  she bought  new condo out away from  bkk.  Should she have to sell or is airbnb  a good thing?  

Sister of GF requested some Regency be brought to isaan.     Is meridian  an equal.  I'm not a brandy fan.  I'm wondering what would be better than Regency?  I'm more a Kentucky bourbon guy.   No  scotch for me. Yuk. 

Airbnb did give me 26$ coupon  when first guy cancelled

   Must be used within 30 days and on booking  100usd more than the original was.  

Do we enjoy rules or freedom?  I understand  the NIMBY.  Not in my back yard.  I see airbnb as a way tech can utilize  unused space.  

This was on Ekamai soi 12 .   Also an hour later near asiatique 2  taxi refused to go 20 soi's,  only wanted swampy pickup.   3rd said ok and used the meter. 

Seems a bit odd to me.  

Flagged down all 3 taxis.  My thai friend  expects  70% rejection.   They dont even want to take her.  This has been my experience  7 trips  6 months  total.   

I spent xmas eve and day in planes crossing 14 time zones.  32 hour in transit.   I must be in love or stupid. 

Its sad to report that xmas in USA now starts with xmas  trees on display for sale at stores mid October  even before Halloween !!.    Sushi sounds so right on xmas.  That restaurant review makes me want to try that place.  

New check station was running t swampy but still only checking <.%.   Report  on immigration.   I made it to bag claim before luggage did. 1:30 am.  

I think people bring items to give to friends or to sell or items they cannot get here in Thailand.  Not really to eat while they are on vacation.   Couldn't find jolly ranchers  at 4 stores??  But did bring lots of USA  made candies for kids in her village.   Flying through  china sucks.  

Sees chocolate store nearby. 

Tools such  as? Good set of craftsman screw drivers?

I wear 501 shrink to fit.  I can buy here for 1500 baht.  I priced some at 2800 in Thailand.  

Jolly rancher? Not available in th? Might go over well with the kids in the village. 

I see you have a Mexican food  craving that is not being met.