Keeps

That's where I differ. I've never needed an excuse...

That's certainly not my experience of a large number of golfers. Often had to listen to them talking through every shot they played, which club they used etc. As many of these were not very good and took an unfeasibly large number of shots to get round, these could sometimes be some very lengthy conversations. Having worked in the City of London for over 30 years I am not just talking about a few people. Golf was probably the most popular "corporate day" for many. They would then bang on about it in the office the following day for probably longer than it actually took them to complete their round. I personally much preferred a day at the cricket or horse racing as a corporate "jolly" where it involved having a cold glass of something in your hand rather than a golf club. Each to their own though.

I think it's a good idea. A place to swap financial insight and tips. If it does happen, I just hope it doesn't get bogged down with "buy crypto" comments.

Rimping supermarket by the Iron Bridge had frozen legs of lamb when I was last in there about 3 weeks ago. Alongside the ridiculously overpriced frozen turkeys. Seems to be a waste of money using such an expensive meat to be overpowered by a spicy curry. Better off using pork for the curry. Depends whether you are looking to achieve an authentic Portuguese or Goan type vindaloo or one similar to those served in Western style Indian restaurants which blows your head off.

Yes, the same as bell peppers. That was my point. Nutritionists (and probably chefs) would class peppers and tomatoes as vegetables.

OK, I'll give you that but a little pedantic. Tomatoes are also a fruit but I wouldn't have them in a fruit salad. Same applies to bell peppers.

I wasn't, but you make it sound such fun.....

Why on earth would Peppers and spring onions not count as green veg? I can also clearly see carrot in two of the dishes. Might not been green but still a veg last time I checked. I'm not saying it's health food but let's not be too harsh......

Most Aussies look like they got dressed in the dark.

Then every Aussie would end up being prosecuted. Is that what you really want? 555

I doubt the other restaurant customers are too impressed by this.

4 working days from applying to receiving the e-visa. This involved no queries from the original application.

If you know that your trip will NOT exceed 4 months I suppose you could obtain a single entry tourist visa (SETV) which would allow 60 days. You could then extend this by 30 days at a local immigration office. You could then do one border hop to obtain a 30 day visa exempt entry. If you are going to stay over 4 months but less than 5 months you could do as above but after the 30 day extension from immigration, go to a neighbouring country and obtain another SETV (which could also be extended by 30 days). I think the above stacks up but maybe one of the other members may point out any deficiencies in this plan.

Just checked with a friend of mine and he applied online and received the 6 month METV from London embassy last week. He also said the documentation required this time was much less than provided for the application earlier this year. He provided flight ticket, hotel booking for first few days in Thailand and document evidencing address in UK. No requirement to provide a bank statement. Not sure how accurate this is but can only go with what he is telling me. This type of visa suits him as he works offshore. 3 weeks work, 3 weeks Thailand and so on.

Once again, I think you will find that it is Pavarotti. Are you sure you actually went to see him?

You really are a sad individual. I would pity you if I gave a flying <deleted>. Not that is has anything to do with you but I spend no time whatsoever in Pattaya. Purely out of personal choice rather than any criticism of Pattaya itself as a venue. Go and pester someone else bogan.

It was a comment aimed at your spelling (which also applies to your post quoted above) combined with a play on words. However, most on here know you are not too bright so it is no surprise it went totally over your head. You went to see Pavoroti did you? You probably think Placido Domingo is the guy who sells pizza.

Thought it would go over your head, not in the least bit surprised...

Is that an Indian tribute act to Pavarotti?

Fair question. They would have seen that my return date (same ticket, same airline) was more than 30 days after my original departure date. They should, in theory, want to know if I have the appropriate visa to stay in Thailand for in excess of 30 days. My explanation that I shall obtain a 30 day extension whilst in Thailand to my original 30 day visa exempt has always been accepted.

I would just keep quiet and let the check-in staff ask the questions. I have checked in at London Heathrow numerous times without a Tourist Visa but with a plan to stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days. If they ask, I reply that I will obtain a 30 day extension to my 30 day visa exempt whilst in Thailand. This has always been accepted. It may have helped that in each instance, my return leg of the journey was within 60 days of the original departure and on the same ticket. Other times, I have had a SETV but not been asked to show this. I have pointed this out to the check-in staff and they have then entered details of the Visa onto their computer system. It can be a bit hit and miss but I've never been denied boarding.

Yet another thread goes pear shaped due to you two girls bickering with each other like a couple of 7 year olds. Just waiting for the "he started it" post....

If you do decide to split your week between Samui and Koh Phangan I've made a suggestion above for Samui. For Phangan I'd consider heading to Buri Rasa resort at Thong Nai Pan Noi beach. It's away from the crowds. They can arrange private speedboat transfer from Samui directly to the resort or collect you from Thongsala pier if you make your own transport arrangements from Samui. https://www.burirasa.com/phangan/ I've stayed at both of the suggested resorts and found both excellent.

If Samui/Lamai beach then Pattra Resort is nice and fits in with your budget. Not directly on beach but only 2 minutes stroll away and smack in the centre of town. https://www.pattravillresort.com/

Sticking with the Christmas theme and the general misery expressed on this thread so far, I see that Shane MacGowan from the Pogues has passed away. Fairytale of New York is one of the great Christmas songs. Up there with Slade and Wizard. Shane would have been on for a massive royalty cheque come January which he will never get to spend. fa la la la la......