Tammi

This subject was covered in December, round about the 26th. Topic was raised by member Ungabunga.

Its always good to get a fresh view of what is good around the place (maybe this one was recent but there are many new postings pushing it way back), the search is also so bad its almost impossible to find stuff on here.

Yes, searching can be difficult. Ungabunga, how is your back now? Did you go see David Pack? I think the same as Tufty about him. He needs to not be so uptight. I will send him lots of love. Let me know if you see a change.

So is it legal to stab or physically harm your spouse then? If it was a bargirl, they would investigate, but not his wife? Family matters should be taken more seriously since those are the matters that usually end up in death more often. You more likely to be killed by a loved one than a stranger. Shouldn't the police know this and therefore make sure the situation is calm before sending the man back home for more cutlery lessons.

Absolutely the police should investigate injuries by family members and not leave it until a murder happens.

Reminds me of the time I was making a phone call to India from a western country. I had dialled 911 before I realized that I'd left out the 011 or whatever to do an international call. I dialled again and made the call to India. Then the doorbell rang and there was this massive policeman on the doorstep. I explained what had happened but he insisted that he come in and look around.

Problem is Pattaya and Jomthien are dangerous anywhere and everywhere.

Maybe his drink was laced by somebody. Maybe he, himself, took an 'enhancement' drug? Who's to know.

This subject was covered in December, round about the 26th. Topic was raised by member Ungabunga.

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The last time I walked on any beach at night, I was squid fishing.

Just what attracts you to beaches at night ?

Naka.

Beaches at night can be pure magic and with decent security supplied by City Hall and BIBs we should all, resident foreigners and Thais and tourists, be able to enjoy. But the criminal element are now in control, as well as the filthy garbage bins and stench, and persons sleeping and peeing at every palm tree.

No, but it has reached the tipsy point.

Look, Pattaya's future is as an exciting urban resort with some water to look at and some nice sea breezes.

How many people can stay more than a few days at an isolated desert island without getting bored silly? There are scores of quiet islands. There is only one Pattaya (and I know many of you are saying Thank God for that!).

People looking for ecotopia should know better than to come to Pattaya in the first place.

I predict Pattaya will get better and better.

In what ways will it "get better and better"?

Only in sensationalist headlines. This is Pattaya not Beirut.

So you think the powers that be have everything under control here and there will be no worsening or escalation of all the things I mentioned in OP, that, in fact, everything will get better?

Has Pattaya reached tipping point with respect to its development? Do you think it's now all downhill because of increased street crime, wanton violence, drugs, increasing dissatisfaction with public utility services (water supply, public transport, garbage collection), no user friendly green areas, dirty beaches, stinking drains, traffic increase, traffic signals not working, air pollution, stressed out Thais?

This morning I walked along Dongtan beach. The walking road is filthy. The smell of sour garbage hung over everything. Palm trees are unkempt. Green corrugated iron fence looks awful and garbage is being dumped behind it wherever it's open. I looked at the faces of all the tourists I met and didn't see one smiling. If I were a regular tourist there's no way I would make a return visit. In Jomthien and Pattaya outside of the hotel grounds everything is soooo dirty!!

Ah yes I saw this on Sophon last night. He doesn't look 65.

He does so look 65. His hair is dyed. Probably you'll all be dyeing yours now.

I can never understand why people carry that much cash & jewels in their bags?? Is the concept of banks or safeety deposits alien? I feel bad for them as no oone deserves to be robbed but a robebr getting away with a couple thousand baht is bearable in comparison with this much cash, as well as telling the robbers that all farang/tourist walk around with this muych cash so we are all easy marks.

Does anybody know a bank here in Pattaya/Jomthien in which one can get a safety deposit box? Or, where else do forum members keep their jewels safely if they don't have a safe at home?

Haven't been to the new airport yet and not looking forward to it. Reading about it the place still seems to be a mess what with long queues for check in and immigration then being bussed to the far reaches to catch plane to a neighbouring country. Not to mention infrastructure inside and out.

The new airport is not that bad from a travellers point of view,

I have seen a lot worse around this world.

give it some time and they will fix some of the things we care about.

Heading on front page of today's BKK Post "Sub-standard work likely cause of cracks, wavy surfaces." In body of article "cracks on the eastern runway were very fine, but those on the western runway were bigger and could affect safety."

I suppose we will find out eventually what is going on under the asphalt. I hear a team of experts will be looking at the runways. In the meantime I think I won't be needing taxis, bus, limo, until everything is moved back to Don Muang.

I suggest you phone Sattahip first 038 245735 to make sure they can help you.

I was referred to Pattaya Bangkok hospital for coronary problems when I finally found the place, registered and waited to see a nurse.

Bangkok Pattaya presents itself as excellent quality care but with a price to match.

Bumrungrad in Bangkok is similarly high quality but also very expensive by local standards.

Good luck and good health to you.

Thank you for this info. I know folks have had good coronary care at Pattaya Bangkok Hospital. I, myself, prefer Dr Visuit Vivekaphirat at Bumrungrad. But maybe that's because I hate taking pills and kinda like doctors who look at all the pills prescribed at PBH and say "Why on earth would you take these?" Dr, Visuit was recommended to me by a doctor who was/is a patient of Dr. Visuit.

I recomend the Thai Limousine service. The booking desk is on your right hand side as you emerge from customs.

The cost is 2,600 baht to Pattaya and the journey time is 90 minutes.

The car was modern and spacious and comfortable a: Nissan Teana.

You receive a full printed receipt for your records.

Alternatively, if you wish to save money; catch a bus.

When Thai Limo began charging 2,600 I stopped using them and instead used Airport Limo that had desks at Don Muang after the barrier but before exit doors. They were 600 baht cheaper. Are they not at the new airport?

Other way to do it is to hire a recommended car and driver. I have 2 I would use to go to the airport or pick me up at the airport.

Friends of friends phoned me from the airport a couple of days ago to say their arranged car (not car I use) hadn't turned up.

Haven't been to the new airport yet and not looking forward to it. Reading about it the place still seems to be a mess what with long queues for check in and immigration then being bussed to the far reaches to catch plane to a neighbouring country. Not to mention infrastructure inside and out.

Yesterday, looked at the Eastern Seaboard General Map (not to scale) provided by the Pattaya International Ladies’ Club (PILC) and found that The Queen Sirikit Royal Thai Navy Hospital is clearly marked.

Directions: Assume that highway #3 runs north-south between Chonburi and Sattahip. At Sattahip it makes a 90 degree turn to the left to go east to Rayong. Also assume that main road 331 runs north-south parallel to highway # 3 but inland by about 15 kilometers. Going from Pattaya to the south on highway #3 you will go approx 30 km and then come to the junction of main road 332 on the inland or eastern side of highway #3. Make this turn to the left onto main road 332. Continue east on 332 until you come to the junction with 331 where you make a right turn so that you are now going south on 331. Continue on 331 to the south until 331 crosses highway #3 to the east of Sattahip. At this 4 way signalized crossing the SE quarter is bounded by the perimeter of Queen Sirikit Royal Thai Navy Hospital. The SE corner is landscaped and there is a beautiful full length portrait of the Queen. There are entrance gates to the hospital off both highway #3 and 331. This is a signalized junction and it is safer to go straight across highway #3 and make the turn into the hospital off 331.

The above is the way Thai drivers have always taken me when going to Utapao airport. Why I don’t know. Maybe it’s quicker, maybe it’s safer.

If I were driving myself to the hospital I would stay on highway # 3 until I came to the junction with main road 331 where I would make a right and the hospital entrance is on the left.

Today, went to see the hospital but forgot to take the maps. The driver took the “long winded” route and knew exactly where to go. Journey took 40 minutes.

We drove in the main entrance to the hospital passing ponds on each side. Car park area is very large. There are 3 obvious doors to the hospital: The one on the left is Administration, the centre one is to the wards, and the one on the right is Outpatients.

Admin and Outpatients are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The doors were locked.

Emergency is further to the right than Outpatients and is set back from the main façade. Outside there were many wheelchairs and stretchers and an ambulance. We went in and found ourselves in a large room fitted out with seating, and I think I saw an ATM. The triage desk is almost immediately inside the room on the right and also on the right is the door into the Emergency Room (ER) for ambulatory patients; straight ahead is Pharmacy; cashiers are on the left.

I went into the ER and a nurse very quickly came to ask how she could help me. I explained my mission was to see the hospital and find out a few things as I live in Pattaya and had heard that Queen Sirikit Hospital is very good. I was asked to take a seat inside the ER and the head nurse would come to see me. The head nurse was a very pleasant gentleman speaking excellent English.

I found out that the hospital will send an ambulance to Pattaya and can be summoned by phoning 038 245 929. I asked if the person answering the hospital phone would speak English and he said there’s always someone around who can.

The sign above ER door gives phone # 038 245 777 and this # is also on ambulance(s).

Maybe 038 245 929 is best # to phone?

We then went to find the wards. All the signs are in Thai but a few have English subtitles. The first ward we came to was orthopedics on the ground floor. There is no Reception so I went to the cashiers and explained my mission and was taken to the nurses’ station and again was helped by a nurse speaking excellent English.

I was taken to see an ordinary private room fitted with a wind up bed, not an electrically controlled one. There was a small TV, a fridge, a fold down plastic covered sofa, an en-suite bathroom, and a balcony with a laundry tub on one wall and a frame to dry clothes on. Everything looked a bit battered. The price per night is 1,200 baht. Food is extra. Thai food is 150 baht and European 300 baht per day.

The nurse explained that if the patient does not have friend or family to stay with him 24/24 then patient cannot have a private room; he will be admitted to an open ward. I agree wholeheartedly. I have always said private rooms are dangerous places to be when sick and alone.

Nurse said that there are VIP private rooms on the top floor that are same layout as the ordinary private but look better. I did not go to see as I didn’t want to push my welcome. VIP room is 1,500 baht.

I didn't go to look at hospital that is supposed to be at the naval base. Instead went for a nice lunch to Purimas Beach Hotel and then went to look at condos at Payoon Garden Cliff. The views are to die for. 3 bedroom needing reno 3.5M. 200 condos. Occupancy is normally 10 to 12 except at weekends. Building is 15 years old

Well I certainly have not seen any tourist posters which say it`s OK to walk on the Beach at 5.00a.m...........I would not walk anywhere alone at 5.00a.m unless absolutely necessary whether it be in Thailand or any other country.........common sense again........

30, 40 years ago I walked alone through cities during the night. Such a pity that not possible now. Why has this happened?

looks like heart attack from the shock.

and why nobody tried to help her and call an ambulance first instead of calling cops?

Whenever the police go somewhere there is someone injured or sick Sawang Boriboon will always be with them, they are brilliant at first aid and are used to take care of people in most situations, biggest life savers in Pattaya

Thank you for that information. I've often seen Sawang Boriboon mentioned in the newspapers but didn't understand that they always come with police. Now I think about it must have been them who came with police when my friend died at home, and on that occasion police and everybody were so kind and respectful. Except I didn't like the newspapers trying to get in.

Common sense should be used and this applies to anywhere in the world and not just Pattaya.

Walking alone along the beach at 5.00 a.m when it is very quiet is asking for trouble.

Agreed, and we can assume he was there for some time before 5:00 am.

To what purpose I wonder ?

Naka.

He said that he had only a small amount of money in his wallet but then I have no idea what the price of a LB or "working girl" is.

How about he was out to take an exercise walk, or to get some cool air, or to listen to the waves lapping on the beach and the birds wakening in the trees?

We who are 'lucky' enough to have lived here for years know how the place has degenerated so know not to go walking without a bodyguard at 5am but visitors to the LOS believe all the beautiful tourist posters.

The victims always seem to be photographed in their "tighty whities."

I wonder if the victims at least got laid[/b] before nappy time...

These photos are taken at the hotel? Isn't it awful how there's no privacy? If they'd got laid wouldn't they have had their knickers off?

Indian Men Drugged and Robbed in Hotel

The Pattaya police were informed on 20th January at 3.30 am that three Indian men were drugged and robbed in Champ Hotel located on Pratamnak Road and the victims were in a serious condition.

The police and Sawang Boriboon arrived and found in room 603 that Mr. Kailash Agrawal, aged 42, was lying on the bed in a very bad condition – it looked like he was poisoned. Mr. Narendra Kumar, aged 40 and Mr. Ravi Patt Bhatt, aged 40 were unconscious in room 605. The team quickly aided the men and sent them to the hospital for treatment.

A friend of the victims told the police that earlier his friends brought two women back to the hotel and when he came to check on them, he found them in this condition.

At the moment the stolen items and money taken are unknown since the victims cannot give any statements but further investigation and questioning will be made after they recover.

SOURCE: Pattaya People

The topic heading says "Chump Hotel" and I thought it was aptly named. But, whatever, the 3 guys started off feeling like champs and ended up as chumps.

Maybe they have wives and maybe not. Just hope that they and all you guys who play around are decent enough to tell wives/girlfriends about the exra-curricular activities so that wives/GFs can have checkups for STDs and decide whether to stay with you.

looks like heart attack from the shock.

and why nobody tried to help her and call an ambulance first instead of calling cops?

May she rest in peace.

Many, many people will not help because they don't want to get involved, because they may do the wrong thing, because they may, somehow, be found resposible for the situation, or may be asked to fork out money for an ambulance.

I think calling the cops was the right thing to do. They probably got there very quickly and are probably trained in CPR and certainly know where to take a passed out farang, whether alive or dead.

Some kindly folks will take control of the situation and load the sick or injured onto a baht bus and take to hospital. But handling the patient may make the injuries worse.

It's a tough call.

The moral to this story,

Beware ladyboys with pricks in their hands

Exactly! I wouldn't trust my p/p to a ladyboy for a bj or hj. What if he clamped down on it or gave a really good nut twist? And brought out a sign reading 'your money or your ----!

Or maybe the LBs will start the 2 brick job! I was told that's how the Nepalese used to (maybe still do) castrate goats.

And a goat is what any guy is who trusts a LB.

Please, Angels, send us metered a/c taxis with a sign saying "we love farangs".

Tammi.... shouldn`t the sign read "we love farangs big taxi fares"?

No. Flag drop is 35 baht and then rest of fare is automatically calculated. No hassles, you pay what's on the meter.

I don't think that there is a flag drop price for Thais and another for farangs. But please let me know.

Thank you for reminding me why I've only spent 2 hours in Pattaya in the last 3 years.

Am I gonna get slated or what? Assume the brace position!

I'm sure you won't get slated. There has beem a distinct quietness from the guys who all used to stick up for Pattaya. I wonder if any of them go walking at 5am and feel comfortable? I, myself, have stopped walking alone early morning. Pity, because it used to be a lovely time to walk on the beach.

I think the reporting in the Pattaya papers shows at least some concern by the authorities about how the crime situation is out of hand. Let's hope that it has not yet reached cricical mass.

Common sense.