VBF

I can see the attraction of that once or twice, getting to see different parts of Thailand, but does it not become tedious after a few trips, especially in the rainy months?

I wouldn't put it quite as bluntly as that, but I do, in principle, agree with you. I abandoned my plans to move to Thailand some years ago basically because of the numerous changes to rules and regulations over which I have no control. The older one gets, the more difficult it gets to contend with these changes.

That one interests me too. Also, what are the airlines going to do if you turn up at check-in without either a visa or a return ticket?

I think I know a taxi driver like that! 😮😂

I see what you mean....

Not necessarily! Just because the street is one way, doesn't stop 2 trucks parking opposite each other. The only difference would be that they'd both be facing the same direction........being Thailand even that isn't guaranteed! 😲

I think it was George Burns who said "If I'd known i was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself" More to the point, being old is relative - age 40, you're old to a teenager, age 50 you're young to a 70 year old. It's like being tall or short, fat or thin, you are what you are. A lot of it is perception. To answer the OP directly - No, I'm not enough of a snowflake to give a damn. Signed VBF - a short fat old git most of the time but a handsome young man in Pattaya. 🤔😂🤣

What the **** took you so long? 😂

Or perhaps prohibit private cars and certainly tour buses entering central Pattaya, and encourage use of Baht buses?

Took me a good 10 seconds! 🙄😞😂

Looking at the pic in the OP, maybe the caption should be...... "There's a hole in the ground, and they're looking into it"😆

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is how political elections work 😲

Quite agree - the mere possession of amulets, with a belief that they hold "powers" says something about one's intelligence (or lack of) and a lot more about one's naivety 😮 Like other religious paraphernalia, they are merely decorative!

Geniuses. as a rule, don't ride or drive baht busses on Beach Road! If you know one, let me know! it is thought that the passenger was riding on the platform, not sitting in a seat. If, repeat if that's the case, then he was behaving like an idiot. Similarly if he tried to get off without ringing the bell and waiting for the driver to stop. Pattaya's Baht bus system is brilliant - sometimes people are not!

Whenever I see people standing on the back step and hanging on to a songthaew (Baht bus) I wonder about some idiot driver hitting the BB from behind. I used to hang on the back of these - now i wait for the next one 'cos i'm not usually in a hurry either to get on my journey or to die!

Oh please don't..... Or message me the link if you must. 😆

If i'm not mistaken, that was originally a "Beetle Bailey" cartoon. Here's another one.....

Think I might be on the right lines 🙄

I always thought Starbucks was a complete shower!

Possibly, but every time I check in to Emirates, they look for and at my visa. In the past i've had a SETV for a 60 day or less visit. Just mulling over my plans for my next trip(s)

Thanks - and as an afterthought from me, I could alway call Emirates and ask them. Found them to be very helpful in the past.

Agree with your comments @DrJack54inasmuch as it's just "safer" to have either a visa or ongoing ticket. I wonder what you and other people think about this possible scenario: Under new rules: Flying London to BKK on Emirates. Have a return ticket with the return booked 80 - 85 days from arrival. My intention being to use the (new) 60 day visa exempt, then get a 30 day extension at Jomtien. The question being, would that return ticket which is over the 60 days still satisfy Emirates at the London check-in? Or would they want to see a return ticket within 60 days? It would avoid the expensive hassle of changing my return ticket.

Nice comments. I stopped flying Thai some 20 years ago when (IMO) they really went downhill both in service and VFM internationally. I used to fly Thai from UK, then onto Phuket using my Thai air miles which eventually ran out. I transferred my business to Ethiad, then Emirates. Haven't done much domestic flying recently, but in 2020 at the the start of Covid I HAD to buy a Thai ticket to London because Emirates weren't flying. So in my PERSONAL experience from 2020, a DIRECT comparison on an A380, Business Class gives Emirates 10/10 and Thai 6/10 for: Ground service Aircraft configuration Inflight service Food quality / choice. i shall continue using Emirates / Ethiad; but if I fly domestically in Thailand, I've had good experiences on Air Asia and Nok Air...but a long time ago.

Invites comparisons with Phuket in 1988 and now ☹️

I remember that experience - sort of disconcerting to be squatting over the toilet, look down and see the track rushing past beneath you! 😲 Another note to self: "If travelling on a train, don't eat much the day before and keep tissue handy" Having said that, I've done long-ish journeys by bus in Thailand and always follow those 2 rules.