gerry53

I disagree and see a big difference between the two even if it is just over the hill physically. I like the more laid back atmosphere in Jomtien, Pattaya is too hectic with traffic, automobile fumes, crowds and noise. Jomtien seems to have more of an expat community (per capita) than Pattaya. It seems to me you get more short term partiers with a different attitude in Pataya also.

Yes, certainly. And that is precisely why I am looking at condos in Jomtien.

But the two are only a few minutes apart as I said. In fact I've walked it many times. So living in one in no way precludes enjoying the other and as such I consider them to be two parts of a whole.

It isn't as if we were talking about Pattaya and Phuket.

Darrel - you splitting hairs here. you also shortened and cherry picked my quote. The fact is you said there was no point differentiating between Jomtien and Pattaya because they were so close. I pointed out a few differences I notice from living in Jomtien and you indicate it is like comparing Pattaya to Jomtien???? Good luck on your condo hunting in Jomtien.

Jomtiem is a zoo in high season. So is Pattaya, but the animals are different. The main difference between the two areas is that there is more to do in Pattaya, .....

Given that Jomtien is only 10 minutes and 10 Baht away from Pattaya, I really dont see the point of differentiating between the two.

If at some point I get a condo in Jomtien I will surely get the bahtbus to Pattaya for meals etc. at least once a day, if not twice, simply because there is a much bigger choice of good/cheap places to eat there.

It's no different being in Jomtien than it is being in North Pattaya. You still need to take a 10B bahtbus trip to get anywhere. But that's no big deal.

What would be a pain is living somewhere that isnt on a proper bahtbus route.

I disagree and see a big difference between the two even if it is just over the hill physically. I like the more laid back atmosphere in Jomtien, Pattaya is too hectic with traffic, automobile fumes, crowds and noise. Jomtien seems to have more of an expat community (per capita) than Pattaya. It seems to me you get more short term partiers with a different attitude in Pataya also.

I don't mind driving to the many amenities I like in Pattaya but for long term living I will take Jomtien anyday. If I had to move it would be to a quieter area than Jomtien and further away from the "action" not into the fire .

Jomtien is probably not the cheapest place in Thailand, but may well be the best value IMHO.

The town and surrounding area, has virtually everything I need or wish for.

The weather here is also one of the attractions. It is not very wet, and when it does rain, flooding is not usually much of a problem. The sea breeze keeps the temperature down.

Hmm/.. come to the jomtien market on the new second road after even a moderate rain. Bring your swimming trunks..

And remember..the first rule of fight club..

What has a poorly engineered road project (and the drainage) got to do with the value of staying in Jomtien?

Tingtonglongdong why don't you just come over and enjoy the area if you are serious? The press in general are always sensationalizing everything here because it sells newpapers and TV ad space. Most western countries don't report suicides as openly as they do here out of respect for the family, here it becomes a news and TV spectacle and is posted on the nightly TV newscasts with offending shots of the victim obscured. Often with passport photo and name visible.

If you are respectful and don't indulge in high risk activities you should be fine here. It will always be a bit higher risk here (even compared to the rest of Thailand) because of the type of people it attracts - both farang and Thai. Many of us come here because and often in spite of that and live happily.

Life is risky as is travel but I would hate to go thru life and be afraid to take acceptable risks. There is an old work safety slogan (joke) stating " nobody moves and then nobody gets hurt" - terrible for both productivity and living a fufilling life.

I tried to find this place last night with the map info and had no success. On the Casa Rd there is a restaurant on the south corner at Beach Rd. that also sells pizza (plus many other foods) but the name did not match. Up the road that Just burgers is on has a small open air pizza place that is not open and looks abandoned?

Is this place open yet? I went to Nanda's instead for pizza.

Well more info about the Kiwi...and as I supspected and as the articel states...he was a liker of the male sex for company

http://www.pattayada...red-in-pattaya/

Also, he entered his flat with a Middle Eastern man...

Now there's 2 things that would concern me

-Homosexual encounters

-Middle eastern men

NO offense to both these ''category's''

But often dodgy events involve cases of homosexuals....And well middle Eastern people....NO offense Im sure many are fine but as a Westerner I would avoid most personally.

have

After expressing fear of coming to Pattaya because of girls (stalking you), theft, murder, druggings and suicide you have now have "concerns" about homosexual encounters and middle eastern men???? Please do us a favor and stay home - you may have a coronary event (heart attack) with all your worrying. Me thinks you shoulkd do your travelling online - it's much safer! Do you watch FOX News?

PS - you will need to watch out for the ladyboys, Russians, illegal immigrants, drunks, druggies, etc. and watch out for the 42 kg thai ladies - they are a real threat.

Why are Pizza's in Thailand the same price as UK

Just be greatful the price of Thai food here in Pattaya isn't the same price as in the UK.

Sure but then every other day you find one off these

http://www.nzherald....jectid=10747339

There will be more info on this story later but it is the only murder in this condominium project in Jomtien in 2 years I have been here. Who you associate with and bring to your room may affect your longevity. (lenght of your life)

This could happen anywhere in the world and I feel very safe in this area.

I know what you mean. But where I stay I could safely say in the last 50+ years there has not been a murder.....As if to say only murder in 2 years is a good thing?

Sure, you play with fire, trust strangers you can pay the price. There is a lot more fire in Thailand than most places.

I guess many of the death/murder stories are due to following:

-Guys already suicidal spending last days in Thailand, possibly no money/future.

-Guys that get financially involved with Thai girl/people, then killed for money.

-Guys that are involved in drugs/drug dealing.

-Guys that are robbed and get in bother. (which is the only ''victim'' category and the one any normal person has to be aware off)

I think many guys with moderate to severe health issues also come here for one last hurrah (good time). They have inexpensive female companionship, cheap booze and living expenses and when they've had enough or their health deteriorates they take matters into there own hands. Your other reasons are valid also.

New Zealand is not Thailand or SE Asia. If you had no muders in 50+ years thats great but major cities in many countries I have travelled don't have that stellar track record. This murder at this conominium was the only one I recall in the 2 years I have been here, it may have been the only one ever - I don't know and am not overly concerned by it. I know who enters my condo and that puts me at a much lower risk.

Sure but then every other day you find one off these

http://www.nzherald....jectid=10747339

There will be more info on this story later but it is the only murder in this condominium project in Jomtien in 2 years I have been here. Who you associate with and bring to your room may affect your longevity. (lenght of your life)

This could happen anywhere in the world and I feel very safe in this area.

One key point I picked up on and was a concern for me was hotels vs apartment rent.

I think apartment could be cheaper but hotels are better for a few reasons.

1. Ability to pick up and go if something happens. I get a stalker, get bad situation, wanna move town..who knows lol..but no long term rented commitments.

2. Girls wont think/know I am here long term. If I have apartment they come to they most likely know I am not here just for few days....which could be a bad thing? depends. I mean I can lie to girls about my length off stay etc....

3. Having hotel workers, receptionist, security, main desk etc,,,it should feel a bit safer than some unknown apartment? But I think some apartments also have security etc?

Another point is I have head that even hotel workers..cleaners in rooms etc, will rob your valuables? Especially at hotels under 3 star and budget places?

I also heard that even if you put valubale such as cash, passport, credit cards etc...in hotel safe you can still be robbed by hotel? This seems a bit OTT. But thats what I heard.

I reckon if I put most valuable things in zip bags with key locks then maybe they woudlnt steal. However, they could still steal and destroy bag to open it. Maybe I am being OTT paranoid here.

As for girls coming round well I think maybe sleeping alone at night is best idea unless you really trust a girl. Or think you do ??? lol

Its not just a holiday to use girls though. Its a complete break from life for 3-4 months just chilling out. I do not plan to party 24/7 everyday. Moreso opposite. Which is why I wonder if Bangkok is a better choice. However I notice its much more expensive for hotels etc. So thats why Pattaya appeals to me. However iD ratehr be based in or near big city than on secluded island etc..Id feel safer in bigger cities. More anonymous. I have considered Chaing Mai also but that seems too quiet and more ideal for one off my trips.

Tingtonglongdong - Yes you are being very paraniod. You already have yourself taking precautions because the girls may stalk you?, theft, jumping of highrise buildings, etc., etc. I hardly think you will "chill out" and get a "complete break" as you stated when you've been worked up to this heightened level of fear? Why don't you just arrive, excercise caution and be nice to people and you will enjoy yourself.

Ah. Canola is not a name I know from Europe.

"Canola (named from 'CANadian Oil, Low Acid') is a type of crop that has been developed in Canada. The parent crop of Canola is rapeseed, and Canadian Scientists have used various breeding and selection techniques in its creation. The logic behind this research was to create a food crop that had extremely attractive nutritional qualities. These qualities include being very low in saturated fat while simultaneously being a source of omega 3, which is usually only found in suitable quantities in oily fish. Canola is also rich in vitamin E."

I wonder if the rapeseed oil I know from Europe is really Canola, or actual rapeseed as the name implies?

Either way, it's a very good oil.

Thank God for Wikipedia and an abundance of time on your hands Darrel.

I have been reading about JTs fear of baht bus travel for over 2 years. Everything is based on fear of being chased, shot or bodily assaulted yet he keeps riding them. He then gives in to the ransom if pressed. Why do you want to "guide" people on how to ride baht buses safely and offer recommendations when your own fear is so evident? Please walk or buy a scooter so we can then read about the dangers of riding a scooter around Pattaya - Jomtien. Enoughs enough already.

Original post by Gik:

For the past week i've got couple of times asked for a 20 baht fare for a usual ride from thepprasit traffic lights to anywhere further south pattaya traffic lights and i've seen one tried to do that with some thai bar girl she just told him to <deleted>..k off and waved with hand. Now they got these numbers in front. Is there anyway to file a behavior complain ?

Could we please just have the above mentioned Thai bar girl give JT a few lessons on how to EFFECTIVELY handle baht bus drivers? I could never enjoy any form of transportation if I had such a deep fear I may be assaulted by my driver. (I don't).

Stop a bit after where you want to go. The more traffic the better.

Have exact change.

Quickly stick your hand in the window and drop the coin on his hand. Try not to actually TOUCH his hand as that makes it easier to grab your hand and hold you hostage.

If he starts screaming at that point, ignore him, and toss the coin on the seat instead.

NEVER MAKE EYE CONTACT!

Rapidly exit the scene of the payment walking against the traffic direction.

If you hear beeping or screaming ... walk faster.

BTW, if you behave this way, he will know you're a local and not a patsy and probably won't bother making a fuss, there is much easier fruit to harvest all over the place.

You're welcome.

Next...

Never touch him and NEVER MAKE EYE CONTACT! Are you talking about a baht bus driver or a charging GRIZZLY BEAR. What happens JT if he is still coming after you "walk faster" - possibly threw him you wallet and play dead??? Too funny.

Forget Wills. They are for Dead People - trying to rule from the grave.

Establish a holding vehicle now - before you die. Transfer your assets in to that or even in to life insurance.

The only things that you do not need in the holding vehicle are your immediate cash requirements and personal use assets.

Don't sweat the small change - such as motor bikes, just pre-sign the transfer documents for those so your spouse etc. can sell them when you go, or consider transferring them to her in advance.

You do not want investment assets to be subject to capital gains tax when they are transferred out of your estate and have appreciated - so transfer each to an appropriate vehicle in advance, and before there is considerable appreciation. You can maintain control of such assets via a lifetime loan - which can be held in joint names of you and your wife (if you trust her) - as joint tenants; meaning the survivor has title, and the dead guy leaves no estate interest in the loans)

PM me for a sit down meeting in Bangkok if you want more info.

Please don't expect a meeting with me, your solution sounds too complex. Of course wills are for dead people trying to provide assistance to people they care about. I am not stupid enough to transfer my assets to a girlfriend who may not be with me in 6 months (no indication of this but we are in Thailand) - I protect my assets. I don't rule from the grave as you put it but if I am dead I won't have any need for my Thai assets. How much do you charge for your "solution"?

I always thought the Poseiden in Jomtien was great value with its fresh milk, cereals, Scandanavian appetizers, cheeses, fresh breads, plus a fresh grilled breakfast with decent lean meats instead of bacon. I am looking foreward to trying the new restaurant next week. Is someone going for a colonoscopy tomorrow?

One you may want to check out IF you are comfortable with equity markets is the K Star fund by Kasikorn Bank and their investment division K Asset management. You can walk into a branch and purchase with ease. As you know most markets have taken a hit this year for many reasons. This fund has a ,25% purchase fee and .25% withdrawal fee - not bad for a managed fund. If you have K Bank online you can monitor your account progress 5 days a week on their daily closing prices. The fund is invested mostly in energy, banking, chemical and food sector for diversification. (with some Miscellanious). I have confidence in the Thai and some Asia ecomonies compared to many in the western countries.

Published returns are 3 months = -2.6%, 6 months = -4.5%, 1 year = 30.4%, 3 year = 44.4%.

I throw in enough for my next years immigration requirement and have gotten 7% automatic redemptions already this year ( I purchased on a dip in the NAV price).

I am not saying to buy it it was just one I found comfortable and convenient, I watch my own stock market investments on a daily basis I don't want to do it here also. I put in the link if you are interested. Good luck.

http://www.kasikornasset.com/en/pages/K-STAR.aspx

My understanding from my standard traditional thai massage place it is a 50 - 50 split so the girls would prefer to do an oil massage for 200 baht an hour (it doubles their income). On the more upscale posher spa type places you pay more for better surroundings so the percentages may be different with the higher percentage going to the owner who provided the nicer facility. The girls also help out cleaning doing laundry etc.

Do the first 6 floors have double-height cielings?

I am certainly no expert but I think handydog has it right. These mall floors are well overheight compared to most high rise buildings. When you book a Hilton room (or any hotel) people often precieve the higher floors are more expensive with a better view - in this case Pattaya Bay. All things being equal other high rise hotels in Pattaya would have an advantage so I think the Hilton leveled the playing field. Even firefighters do a rough calcuation of 10 feet per floor when determining things like water pressure reduction rather than set up a laser transit. But I think the bottom line is it is marketing by Hilton.

I've been wrong before!!!!

I own a house that I like and enjoy very much. I have a pool, nice garden, 3 beds 2 bathrooms, nice neighbours etc etc. I do like coming back knowing all my stuff is where I left it.

That said, after 5 years I don't think I would do it again. Property is not very liquid and there are costs of about $1200/year. If I was to do things again I would rent a nice condo for 25-30K/month for four months every year. Factoring in my purchase price + yearly outgoings I could rent a nice condo for 30 years or more with no money tied up and I could eff off quickly if need be.

Thanks for the objective advice johnnyk, I was thinking of purchasing but you are correct about tying up your money. I do good on private investments and I would be much further ahead renting. I also like having the flexibilty to leave or change locations because of bad neigbors, political issues, village maintenance etc. - you never know and I see so many people trying to sell these days.

Yes I believe it is the one close to the Watt, lake and Buddha Mountain, I looked at it and the one across the road from it. It is a new subdivision with a man made lake and lots of building still going on in the village. Both of these villages seemed to have lots of Russian owners or renters and there was a Russian sales lady in attendance in Baan Dusit 2 with the Thai sales people. As stated previously it is a quiet place and nice countryside for this area, the roads are also good. A car would be needed unless they had a shuttle service.

If you are looking for quiet and being out of town it may work for you, the beaches are a bit nicer towards Bang Saray also (usually). For me it was a bit far to run into Jomtien and Pattaya on an almost daily basis but it was an attractive village.

I picked up a chicken madras, beef vindaloo and assorted other goods the other day and am very pleased so far. The naan and the pilaf were good also. She has a useful price list handout with contact numbers so you can order in advance for many items like pizzas.

I got a decent comfortable high back adjustable leather chair and desk with filing drawer and stationary (misc) drawer at the Office Depot next to Big C on the Suk for less than 5800 baht delivered. It's not huge at 60" X 30" but fit my condo perfectly, not "executive" style or quality but quite acceptable as was the price after shopping around.

I took a ride out to Theppasit 5/1 when fueling up today and did not notice this place can you give more precise directions?

Thanks

This is welcome addition to the meager shopping in Jomtien. A bit of competition won't hurt either plus it will be a nice place to hide from the choking dust project they call Thappraya Road (nearly 5 years in the making by the way!). With the poor construction and lenght of time it is time for them to resurface this and the new second road.