Chantal

Also recommend the Kata Book Store which as Steven says has moved to Katekwan road. Another option for second hand books are the car boot sales held at The Greenman on the first Saturday of each month. There should be a huge selection of books at the next sale as unfortunately the last one was rained out. Look out for the kids from the Shanti Guesthouse as they will have quite a large selection at the next car boot sale.

Hi

Try The Kata Villa located opposite the southern end of Karon Beach. This small establishment has a swimming pool, inexpensive restaurant and is conveniently located within walking distance to some good shopping, restaurants and pubs etc. I see that they are currently advertising their rooms at 500 baht per day.

Had a take away lasagne for lunch from Capanninas today - no where near as good as at Rugantinos.

If you are passing through Kata then try the lasagne at Rugantino's located on Kok Tanod Road. Delish!

Totally with you HKT - the gardens are looking a little greener today. We really needed a good shower.

I am convinced that Fortuner Drivers have to sign a special agreement when purchasing their vehicles to say that they will not let the team down and will drive as badly as possible on these roads.

How frustrating! We have Karon cable and my hubby watched the whole match.

Hi

I enjoy their pizzas and lasagne. Alberto the owner is an amusing character and worth meeting

Try The Irish Times at Jungceylon. Prices around 395 baht for an all you can eat Sunday roast.

Hi

Hope all works out well with you. Quite a few pugs in the Kata/Karon areas lately....will check them out.

In fact the diving is actually better during the low season at the daytrip sites off Phuket. We tend to see more marine life then due to the less amount of divers and boat surface traffic as during the high season months.

I also give a thumbs up for Lisa.

I agree - this option would be perfect for Fiddlehead. If you want his telephone number feel welcome to PM me.

Also check out Govert at Kata Hot Yoga. They are located virtually opposite The Boathouse in Kata.

We had a pleasant stay recently at The Tinidee which used to be the Royal Princess Hotel. They have the hot spa baths and swimming pool as well as a fitness center. This hotel is located in the center of Ranong Town. You can check out their website at http://www.tinidee-ranong.com/

Many years ago we used to stay at the Jansom Thara particularly for the hot spas, but unfortunately it went downhill and has subsequently been closed for the past couple of years.

Hi

I suspect that you are either referring to the Tropicana Bungalows (the 1 with Otto the pig) or the old thatched ones that used to be located in front closer to the street. Either way these were pulled down years ago. The owners of The Tropicana bungalows subsequently moved their operation to Khao Lak and sadly died in the Tsunami. If you knew this family feel welcome to PM me for updates as they were quite an institution in those days.

The Kata Villas that Livinginkata referred to have only opened up around 2003 and are worth it if you are looking for good value for money. You can check them out at www.katavilla.com

What a waste of money! Saw them digging their yesterday. If I remember correctly there was a lot of concern over the unreasonable building costs of the original fountain. Anybody else remember?

I second Cobra Watersports in Chalong. I bought 3 body boards about 4 years ago and they are all still in excellent condition.

This is so sad Wolfie! Our condolences to you and your family. May Nigel RIP.

Dave - so sorry to hear about your experience and glad that you are ok now.

I suggest that if you suspect it is a Box Jellyfish sting you contact Dr Somchai at The Phuket Marine Biological Center. They are currently doing research on Box Jellyfish and he might be able to determine whether it is a Box Jellyfish sting by checking the wounds.

Another suggestion I can make is when you go swimming in the sea always make sure that you take a bottle of Vinegar. Vinegar will ease the pain and prevent the spread of venom from the tentacles.

Speedy Recovery!

Hi

I joined The Hilton Premier Club and can use any of their swimming pools at The Hilton in Karon. By joining you also get discounts on food and various vouchers as well as 1 free nights stay.

You can contact Khun Nampetch (Nikki) Tipaxorn at The Hilton and she will advise you on who to contact in BKK with regards to joining. When I joined the Premium Club Nikki handled the memberships although it has changed now.

Also the The Thavorn Palm Beach Resort in Karon used to have a membership deal. Not sure if they still do.

I also thought that Club Andaman was Thai owned? We have stayed their a couple of times and have enjoyed it. Otherwise the Tinidee Hotel in Ranong which is the ex Royal Princess Hotel is well worth it.

Agree about the horrible noise but a good plus is that wine/alcohol can be purchased at any time during the day there, unlike the silly laws elsewhere

The last hour has been ok although this morning I could not log onto quite a few websites. Also very slow!

Yes, this was awful and thank goodness the Swedish couple are alive.

Such a disgrace that the driver of the silver vehicle sped off. We tried to get his number but unfortunately could not.

Lucky your instructor was on scene.. as someone was trying to get that poor girl to move her leg!! Your instructor was so calm but firm !! Her boyfriend didn't want to go to the HOSPITAL!!! but that is another story.....

Again kudos too Khun Bank!

Thanks Mrman I will tell Bank and our DM candidate who aided the guy. They did have a problem with the other tourists trying to move the girl.