thaibeachlovers

Simplest cheap option:

Take bus from North Road bus terminal direct to Bangkok South Bus Terminal. Go early.

Find Hua Hin ticket office ( not that easy the first time ), plenty regular buses throughout the day. Food court nearby for breakfast.

Once in Hua Hin, guest houses all over the place near the bus destination, or if you have booked ahead, it's really small, so can walk, or take a trishaw. The Tuk Tuks are rip off bandits.

So much for Democracy. I'm getting out of here while the getting is good beforethey shut down the main airport in Bangkok. I certainly don't want to be stuck here during a Revolution should it come to that.

Being selfish, I hope they do, so I have a reason not to go back to work ( and I'm having such a fun time ).

Seriously, it's going to cause a lot of trouble for a lot of people that have nothing to do with any of it. That's what always happens when people stop talking and start fighting.

If gatherings of 5 or more are banned, does that affect the bars???

OMG that sign is so BRIGHT, at times IT IS BLINDING. Also it is just showing advertising, so what is the relevance to Walking Street?

If that is an example of the new mayor's "better Pattaya", I dread to think of what is to happen to the place.

It's probably there to give the stationary baht buses banked up along Beach Road something to watch. It had to be bright so they can watch it from as far back as Garden Plaza.

You can actually see it from the north end of the beach, in daylight!

It's got to be a scam.

Hua Hin

the songthaews only run about every 15- 20 minutes along the main road.

the roads in town are 1 car wide ( no pavements ) and the locals try to kill you with their cars.

there's hardly any bars with girls.

the beach is even worse than Pattaya, and so encroached you can't walk along it at high tide.

accomodation is more expensive.

unless you have a vehicle, the 1 shopping mall is a long walk after the songtheaws stop running in the evening.

there's no equivalent of Walking Street.

the huge hotel right in the middle of the town is an eyesore.

the tuk tuks are a rip off.

the bus depot is a shop house, and has hardly any seating.

there's nothing to do at night ( unless you walk miles to the mall ), except eat at restaurants, drink in a bar or go to the IT shop.

I tried to think of something nice to say, but all I could think of is:

has some nice seafood restaurants over the water.

was able to buy a better sun hat than in Pattaya.

Forgot to mention that the Railway Station is actually very picturesque. So 3 nice things, then

Sunhats available from the tourist tat stalls on the access way to the beach. Much better than the ones available in Pattaya.

Pattaya tourism is down 30% this year. Combine that with bad exchange rates, higher plane fares and costs back home and tourism is down. Not to mention it is the low season. Wish I was there, but very busy right now.

Pattaya is still a pretty decent town. I love a town I can walk around in, easily hop on Baht bus pickups, easily hop on motorcycle taxis etc. Lots more to do in Thailand, but for a few weeks of easy going, Pattaya is pretty tough to beat in my opinion.

Bad exchange rates! That's the understatement of the year!

The pound dropped 2 bht in the week I've been here. The way it's going, we'll be back to pre '97 rates again, but with bht costs twice what they were then. Given I work for the British NHS, and my present income is worth LESS than what I earned back in '97 the future is looking bleak for me in Fun Town.

Just as I was about to retire and move here, too. Bummer.

Pattaya,Pattaya love it.

Me too...just about when I was 8 years old:

Sorry, it's an old postcard and my shaky hands, but should convey the idea:

Was that taken from Pattaya Park tower? I was up there yesterday, and the view is amazing.

It's only from that height one can realise that whatever the past, Pattaya is no longer about us farangs, as there is a vast city of Thai residents, and our little corner of it is just a speck in comparison. No wonder few signs bother to include English translation anymore.

I was also up at the food fair north end of Beach Road, and not a single sign in English.

I guess that we are becoming irrelevant to Pattaya, whatever we may like to think.

And the last page has still got buggerall to do with the OP, just the cold, lonely, jealous and socially challenged beating their gums again.

Very true, NanLaew.

How quiet is it in Pattaya?

I'll judge for myself in a few days.

~WISteve

You'll be welcome. It really is very quiet.

Hua Hin

the songthaews only run about every 15- 20 minutes along the main road.

the roads in town are 1 car wide ( no pavements ) and the locals try to kill you with their cars.

there's hardly any bars with girls.

the beach is even worse than Pattaya, and so encroached you can't walk along it at high tide.

accomodation is more expensive.

unless you have a vehicle, the 1 shopping mall is a long walk after the songtheaws stop running in the evening.

there's no equivalent of Walking Street.

the huge hotel right in the middle of the town is an eyesore.

the tuk tuks are a rip off.

the bus depot is a shop house, and has hardly any seating.

there's nothing to do at night ( unless you walk miles to the mall ), except eat at restaurants, drink in a bar or go to the IT shop.

I tried to think of something nice to say, but all I could think of is:

has some nice seafood restaurants over the water.

was able to buy a better sun hat than in Pattaya.

My only gripe is with the title of the topic.

I didn't find any mention of Pattaya in the article.

onzestan

Pattaya is briefly mentioned in the 3rd sentence but I agree it should belong in Travel or other topic rather than just Pattaya.

Mods ?

LaoPo

The article is clearly attacking Pattaya with it's reference to transvestite shows ( unless there are busloads already going to Phuket ), and making the case that Chinese tourists should visit OTHER destinations than Pattaya, so IMO it is a Pattaya related article.

Bye the bye, IMO, the transvestite shows in Pattaya ( Alcazar and Tiffanys ) are top class.

Yes, I too am disappointed, as hoping to take the TGF to get some brownie points ( plus I loved it when I saw it in London ).

Pity that with 3 different cineplexes in pattaya, they all have to show the same movies at the same time. TIT.

There's a previous post about this, so just look for that back a way. Should have what you need. The place I recommended should do.

Pattaya, you either

A Love it

B Hate it

C Grow out of it

I grew out of it like a few of my amigos, but we all visit from time to time. A long term friend (20+ yrs) used to frequent regularly for naughtiness, he came back last month and was shocked at how downhill the product has gone and he got a ticket to the Philippines.

After his trip he told me the Philippines had changed for the worst too, so it's not just Pattaya.

I can tell you exactly when it started to get worse, and it was when toxin's right hand man puritanical destroyed Thailand's ( farang ) nightlife by imposing all sort of restrictions relating to opening hours, shows and ( un ) dress. I was in Pattaya when the Bangkok Police arrived en mass to "crack down" on Fun City. Never been the same since. Enjoyment factor down, petty crime rate up.

Mind you, still better than anything in the great hypocrytical PC west, especially the UK. If you want to see real sleeze, go to Soho, where the clip joint reigns supreme.

NO. I think this forum is a great place to share these stories. In my mind, it is extremly funny to listen to the stories.

I enjoy my time in Pattaya, but it is always a good idea to remind folks, even long-stay folks, of the potential dangers of getting involved with these girls. (It is best to stay alone and not invite them in to take over your life or share your life).

I have no mission...only to state that honesty is the best way to share opinions.

I think there are people on here that feel as if they need to defend their lives here and their choices. (Perhaps, they are stuck in a bad relationship and cannot get out)???

Anyway, the game is fun, if you know the rules. However, if you forget the rules of the game and get involved, then you may be one of the unlucky ones to get hurt down the road. I think you are reading about the truth from several posters, myself, postthai and cali and others who enjoy the fun and games, but have been lucky enough to keep these angels out of our lives on a full time basis.

So, enjoy the entertainment and have fun. Just remember, it is a game and one should not engage in defending these ladies.

MONEY WAS, IS and ALWAYS WILL BE THE ONLY THING THAT THEY WANT FROM YOU!!!!!!!!!

So, pay the money, have your fun and move on quickly. A friend once told me that the #1 thing to remember in Pattaya is to

change your ladies like you change your underwear, every day!!!

Innovator, while true in many cases, definitely does not apply to all working girls.

My first "proper" TGF was with me for 4 years and the last, 8 years. Neither of them was overly concerned with money, and never, ever asked me for any ( up to you ).

On all my long stays ( when not with either of the former ) had the same TGF for 2-3 months. Of course, there was always the occasional "bad apple", but fortunately not often.

I find the routine of trying to find a "new one" every night is really quite boring.

Of course if you're blind drunk, or willing to go with anything, it really doesn't matter, does it!

Beware if she is always on the phone speaking English, asks for more money than agreed/ advances on payment, needs to go away for the night to see mother/ sick friend etc. There's probably hundreds of warning signs in total.

The best "rule", that I ever read was "don't spend what you can't afford to lose".

Hmmm innovator have you ever been to a thai bg's room? Most share a room with 4/5 other birds....thats prob about 90% (thats the real reason they don't want to go to their room because lets face its not very nice when you share it with so many other ladies)

Well said, I was about to say the same thing, when I saw your reply.

My last TGF shared with 4 others, 3 slept in the bed and 2 on the floor ( assuming none of them got bought out for the night ).

I would like to applaud Thailand for the "King requested" soft approach to solving the cause of the current political protests in Bangkok. The fact that there may be a few disruptions to train travel is a peaceful way of Thai workers showing support for the protesters. I fervently hope that it will remain non-violent! This type of protest in some 'third world' countries, like N. Korea or the U.S.A., would have already been snuffed out by mass arrests (by brutal force if resisted, or even imagined to be resisted). Homeland Security would assure them all a place to stay for many years and America would start filling those FEMA relocation compounds close to Washington.

So, well done Thailand. Keep up the good fight for honest governance!!!

Paul

Well said. Samak and his cohorts of the PPP (a reincarnation of the TRT) are/were just lackeys of boxhead. He came back hoping that some how he'd be able to control things from behind the scenes. For once, in this uncetain democracy, the courts stood up to somebody with seemingly unlimited power and he was sent packing. All of a sudden Samak and his cronies have had the the rug pulled from under their feet. The only legitimacy they've got is from that uneducated, missinformed, bribed rabble from the North East. The educated, middle class from Bangkok and the south don't want them there. They know that in the long run they won't do an ounce of good for this country. Abhisit is the real leader in waiting. The sooner we get rid of this bloody corrupt, incompetent lot the better it will be for everyone. Thaksin and his ilk have had their day. They were greedy beyond belief. Lets not forget that back in 2001 when boxhead won his fist election it was based on a bribe - one million baht to all villages up North. The second time around the threat went out that if those same people, who'd accepted the bribes, didn't vote TRT, then the bribes (loans) would be called in. Boxhead was back in power again. Being of greedy bloody chinese descent he, and his entourage, just couldn't help themselves could they. When they sold Shin corp, if they could've just done the right thing and paid a bit of tax, then that coup probably wouldn't have occurred. This whole bloody ongoing mess is of boxheads making, that's the reality. I've got alot of respect for the average Thai. The truth is they put up with a lot of shit because they're genuinely polite and descent people. But they've also got pride and when something gets to a point where it stinks - as this does - then they do something about it. Good on them, they've got my full support.

Well said Megalithic, it's all about toxin, and till he's out of the picture for good this unhappy circus will continue to go round and round.

While I do not know what life was like for the rural poor under the last Democrat Party Government, the PM Chuan Leekpai ( I think ), was, seemingly, widely respected and life certainly seemed ( from what I could see ) to be getting better for the average Thai. Definitely, there was little petty crime against farangs. Once toxin took over, it was pretty obvious that he was out to steal as much as he could from the country, using middle class tax money to bribe poor rural voters into keeping him in power, and using the courts to suppress any opposition ( it was all in the papers during that time. He was so overconfident that he didn't even shut down the press ). No wonder anyone that cared about Thailand was against him. Since he came to power and all the years since, Thais have been unhappy ( from what I can see ), and petty crime against farang has undoubtedly risen.

Anyone supporting PPP is clearly supporting toxin, and a continuation of the plundering of Thailand.

Incidentally, I doubt Thailand has ever had anything resembling a true democracy, but that does not give anyone the right to openly steal everything they can, just because they happen to be in government.

re lack of customers; it is LOW SEASON, and this season is really quiet.

As for the rest, you can keep your Bangkok prices, I'll stay in Pattaya.

Thai image needs boost in China

Nouveaux riches opt for other markets

CHADAMAS CHINMANEEVONG

Thailand should recreate its image among Chinese tourists in order to secure this market in the long run, say experts in the Chinese tour market.

Today, the country's image among Chinese travellers is quite poor. It is plagued by low-quality travel agencies, which have put unattractive tour programmes such as transvestite shows on their itineraries.

There are a lot of tourism destinations besides Pattaya to be promoted, such as Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai, said Shen Bo, the executive vice-general manager of the Shanghai Airline Tour International (Group) Co.

If Thailand does not take this seriously, it is expected to lag behind other countries in drawing Chinese tourists and miss out on huge revenue, he said.

''Although the Thai government has tried to crack down on low-quality tour agents, the private sector has not co-operated with the authorities as expected,'' Mr Bo said.

As a result, high-income Chinese tourists choose to go to developed destinations including the United States and Europe instead.

Also, big wholesale travel agents in China are no longer selling Thai destination packages as a top priority. He said Chinese tourists were the main target group of many tourism operators because of their higher purchasing power.

Most of them are middle-class and educated. Travel spending via travel agents in 2007 was recorded at US$1,435 per head on average.

Most importantly, the Chinese government also encourages people to travel overseas by allowing them to travel in 134 countries. Asia is the most popular destination. In 2007, around 88.74% of all Chinese tourists chose to travel in Asia.

According to Wang Xinjun, the managing director of Ivy Alliance Tourism consulting Co, the criteria for choosing a destination among Chinese depends upon attractiveness, expense, and leisure time. Travel agencies are the first choice to organise trips.

Most consider the travel agency brand, an attractive itinerary, and good service before they decide on their trips.

Travel agencies are also the first source of travel

From todays Bangkok Post

Could anyone recommend a good dentist in the Pattaya Klang area?

My usual dentist has moved to the busiest part of Jomtien so looking for a new one.

Thanks!

Modern Smile Dental. But really, you should do your own research dependent on the kind of work that is needed.

Hmmm. The quote facility didn't work. Below is my contribution, TBL

Just went there today. The directions in their website are rubbish, even the Thai hotel staff nearby couldn't work it out. It's on the right hand side looking towards Sukhumvit, before Carrefour Supermarket.

Didn't actually need treatment after all, but certainly seem like nice people; didn't try to do unnecessary work. I'd be happy to go there for treatment.

No one has the knowledge of what goes where so when they replace something they daren't cut the old wires cos they don't know what they are doing.

Like all of Thailand, why don't they make the pavements once and do it properly instead of doing a half arsed job and having to re-do it every few years.

Erm, in London ( SUPPOSEDLY first world ) they seem to dig up the same roads/ pavements every few weeks.

Just took a walk along the walkway from soi 6 to Yamato. Although the trees have been butchered by people that know nothing of tree surgery, the trunks have been left and are regenerating at an amazing speed. Provided they do not fall prey to some terminal disease, due to ragged cutting, within a couple of years they should look OK again.

Hopefully, the powers that be will leave them alone in the future.

If they want to destroy some trees, there are a few palms obstructing the paved walkway that could be removed to the benefit of all.

As for the walkway itself, almost all the grass has disappeared, and I'm sure the next rain will, once again, deposit sand all over the path. The cement surface is still broken in many places, there are many ugly broken light bases and lots of broken overhead lamp posts.

If City Hall can't even sort out the most visible attraction of Pattaya Beach Road, they have no business promoting Pattaya as a "premier" tourist destination.

The first set of posts recommended Nong Nuch . Personally, been there several times and hate the place. Chimps locked in tiny cages without water. Tigers with their teeth and claws removed and sat in the sun for hours (I once got into a row with the keepers after I saw one of them hit an old tiger - minus its fight-back equipment and obviously quite old - so hard on the head with a large stone I hears he crack a hundred yards away, he then laughed aloud). The elephant show is expensive, and the so called culture show (dancing and crap sword fighting) is ridiculously priced (the farang prioce being ten times that of the Thai price when I last went).

Much better Elephant shows around.

I enjoyed Mini-Siam, but its only a do once thing and half a day at that.

If you "hate" the place, why have you been "several" times?

Because I took other people (touring friends) that wanted to go. The tiger incident was the last time and I have refused to go back since; before then I was mostly putting up with the expensive 'shows'/dual pricing (they actually tried to sell my Thai wife and friends farang price tickets because - as the woman said - the farang is paying!) and the sad animals and caging (putting it down to TiT and having seen similar elsewhere). Sorry Sherlock, try another.

Chickenlegs, I am glad they have sorted out the pricing (still dual pricing, but hey so are many places). I hope the building also includes new pens for the animals (chimps especially) - if they have not already been rehomed. As I said, haven't been back for half a decade, so if it has changed, then maybe I'll check it out agian and possibly reassess my views. I did enjoy the gardens and raised platforms (never stayed there though).

Went on a half day tour couple years ago, and loved the garden. Been meaning to go back for a whole day, but now I will make sure I miss the zoo ( didn't notice it last time ) if I happen to come across it.

Love Thailand, but really hate the way some Thais treat animals. Animal illtreatment is not an exclusively Thai thing though, of course. The tiger zoo in Johor Baru back in the 1970s was atrocious, with tigers stuck in small concrete pens. Even New Zealand, sadly, has had it's share of putting big cats in tiny cages.

To add my 5 cents worth about Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, I went to get a root canal there, and the "dragon lady" dentist refused to do it ( after drilling a hole to have a look ) so ended up having to get it done at a clinic on 2nd Rd. and paying for 2 fillings, same tooth. Not a happy chap.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND BANGKOK PATTAYA HOSPITAL!!!!!

Just went up to the clinic to see if it's still open, and there is a for sale sign on the window, so looks like I too will be seeking a new dentist.

The Modern Smile certainly looks promising.

Only bright spot is my fav hotel still same price and a bargain at 500bht including breakfast.

Which is?

Sawasdee Court, soi to the left across from Soi 10 on 2nd Rd. No lift is the only drawback.

Does it have a swimming pool?

My favorite is Honey Lodge which is on the street where all of the traffic turns right before Walking Street very close to Beach Road.

Swimming pool, air-con, cable TV, a little run down with no lift. 500-600 baht.

No. Personally don't care as never use them.

Been staying there since '96, so must be satisfied, even if it is a little run down. I did stop going for a while due to a very noisy bar across the road, but thankfully that has closed.

The staff have always been friendly, which to me is more important than the decor.

It's "guest friendly" if that makes a difference.

They replaced the furniture recently, which really did make a difference as the original stuff was literally falling apart.

IMO, it's the best of the cheaper Sawasdee Hotels.

Only bright spot is my fav hotel still same price and a bargain at 500bht including breakfast.

Which is?

Sawasdee Court, soi to the left across from Soi 10 on 2nd Rd. No lift is the only drawback.

What do you expect for 500Thb? 5 star facilities with a 3 star Michelin restaurant and a tuck-down service?

Gee Basil,

didn't get it last night eh!

No

Thought so!

My excuse is that I am stuck back in old Blighty, what I want to know what you are doing posting at what must 23:30 when as you said: quote "you might know why I posted this! ( and I don't want to get banned so I'm not going to explain it, either. Those that need to know will understand. )"?

BB

Well I'm in a happier place than you!!!

The only hint I'm going to give is that there are so many lonely young women here ( without any prospect of a boyfriend tonight as there are so few farangs around ), and they would really be happy to see a few more fellas about.

As for myself, there are many visually challenged young ladies around who think that i am a hansum man, and I really would like to get to know them better, so nighty night.

I have heard/read about this program in the past. I believe they do have some sorta program for foreign volunteers to work at their facilities for fixed terms and that they do provide accommodation for them. I think these are usually foreign exchange-student or Catholic school student type volunteers/interns. Not sure about the WPs...maybe not needed but if so, maybe they would arrange for them.

Anyone can volunteer, and they will provide room and board for full time staff, though I understand it is pretty basic. I don't think there is a fixed term, other than they want you to stay as long as possible to avoid upsetting the children with frequent turnover. I also believe that you can live away and volunteer whatever time you want to give.

Police checks etc are of course mandatory.

They do not provide work permits, and claim that it is not necessary, though in fact it is the law to have one. That is the reason I have decided not to volunteer there myself.

The best thing to do is contact the organisation directly, or if in the area go visit them.

Check out the web site www.pattayaorphanage.org.uk