London Lowf

Thai airways gets a lot of bad press but I've now flown from the UK to Thailand eight times and always with them - the flight times suit me and I'd rather "support" them than the often cheaper ME airlines. Lang haul in economy is a chore no matter who you fly with but this was my most recent trip just before take-off from LHR - the most painless flight that I've ever done in my life!

In the UK you have no choice and, no doubt much to the annoyance of many on here, I'm quite happy to play by the same rules in Thailand if asked. I've only ever been caught out once. In fact, many outcalls will not even travel until you've made a bank transfer, but I don't play that game - too many Romanian scammers!!

No, it's dirt cheap compared to the UK even for name brands. However, I don't fish at home but my father does and so I can scrounge a reel and some basic kit from him and I'll buy a rod there if a reconnaissance of a couple of the bigger dams makes it look worthwhile.

I realise that I can do that when I'm there, but I'm just trying to work out if it's worth bringing some tackle with me - I'd buy a rod there.

Hi Everyone, On my next visit in October I hope to do some gentle fishing – chuck a line in, enjoy the weather and scenery, watch a motionless float for a couple of hours and then return home when the boredom and frustration gets too much. There seem to be very few easy access spots on the west coast and I don’t want to go out in a boat, so is it permitted to just turn up and fish in one of the big dams such as Bang Wad or Bang Niew? Are there any fish in there? I’m not after dinner or monsters and I’m not keen or expert enough to spend thousands for a day “shooting fish in a barrel” in one of the commercial fisheries. What are my options on Phuket?

I've rented PCX/Nmax from several places over the years and every contract specified Phuket-only. Having said that, I did do a day trip to Khao Lak a couple of years ago with no issues. Also, I always do one annual sight-seeing trip to the Sarasin Bridge (so, through the control post) and also without any hassles.

Yes, it was open in March so has survived Covid. It was one of my regular places on Bangla as the drinks are fairly priced and it is relatively hassle-free. I can't remember the names of any of the staff though.

That seems a good price for root canal. I paid B12,500 for each at New Smile so priced midway, but those were back teeth - according to their website fronts are B8,000. It was a very long but painless procedure - two visits IIRC.

These days I only ever get dental work done whilst on holidays in Phuket - far better value and service than back home in the UK. After a recommendation from a local expat German hotelier I've always used Dr Nis at New Smile (formerly Promjai) in the grounds of the Patong Merlin. I've spent many GBP'000s on fillings, crowns and root canals over the last five years but not (yet) implants, although they are available.