tonititan

I don't think that first photo is supposed to depict a stomache ache. The placement of her hand makes me think it's supposed to depict menstrual cramps. I haven't looked at the website, but maybe it also has something to do with STD's which can cause all kinds of problems in that region.

Even at the official taxi stand, I've been scammed. Going into Pattaya, you're charged a flat rate that the taxi stand attendant writes on a piece of paper. By the time I arrived, the driver had changed the writing from 1,400 baht to 1,600 baht.

Did you pay it? And did you call to report him?

I bought a bunch of the mini ones at JJ last year.

Snooze.

no, i am not saying that, if you are looking for a sexy guy, don't be so defensive.

Ok, good to know. It's hard to pick up on sarcasm when it's in print. And sadly, there ARE some guys on here who would think that way. Sorry to accuse you of being one of them.

But I am one them Toni, but most of the time I hide it with sarcasm. But I find the fact that you want to debate this with me mildly stimulating... mentally that is.

Sorry always thought you were a man until a few posts ago. Can we work up from Tom?

I don't want to debate anything with you. All of my comments were said jokingly (at least in my head).

no, i am not saying that, if you are looking for a sexy guy, don't be so defensive.

Ok, good to know. It's hard to pick up on sarcasm when it's in print. And sadly, there ARE some guys on here who would think that way. Sorry to accuse you of being one of them.

Does anyone else find HARD WORKING, SENSE OF MORALITY, SENSE OF DUTY, AMBITION sexy?

I do! But, of course, I'm a woman, and it can be hard to find those things in a man, too.

Sorry toni, off-topic, save it for the chicks dedication forum on here.

So are you saying that guys can make comments about women on the whole of Thai Visa, but I have to limit my comments about men to the one ladies' forum? Nice.

Does anyone else find HARD WORKING, SENSE OF MORALITY, SENSE OF DUTY, AMBITION sexy?

I do! But, of course, I'm a woman, and it can be hard to find those things in a man, too.

I wish I had it with me, but at work I have an article about the stages of acclimation for an expat (not just in Thailand, but anywhere). I have found it to be very accurate and shows that many (most?) people go through a stage like yours at some point. I think it's a cycle, and you may soon find yourself accepting it here, if not loving it.

In my experiences, I have always got my luggage and went to the departing flights car deck and waited for a taxi to unload someone coming in to the airport to catch a plane out. Chances are, you are not paying for the airport taxi to return back to the airport, as this is the point where the airport taxis are working from. And always get a metered taxi and make sure it is turned on. Insist on it if you have to. I have never had a problem with this, but have read where others have. Going to an airport taxi stand, you will most certainly pay for his trip back, one way or the other. Good luck. trex

I'd have to disagree with that. Maybe it does happen, but I don't think anyone should go into it expecting to have to pay for the return trip. Yes, some drivers TRY to use this as an excuse to get more money, but you just say no, that's not how it works, you'll pay the meter. A driver might tell you that thinking that you don't know any better, but if you say no, they usually back off. I've had it happen the most on the way to the airport - they wanted more money for the trip back into town.

I've actually found that the official metered taxi stand guys (downstairs) are more straightforward and less likely to ask for more money that the guys at arrivals (upstairs). I would estimate that I've used the official taxi meter stand about 25 times over the years (including late at night), and I've never had a driver ask for money for the return trip or refuse to use the meter. I have, however, had 2 out of 3 drivers upstairs (at arrivals) try to rip me off. You would THINK that they would be appreciative to have any fare, since they're not supposed to pick up passengers there anyway and have to slip the security guards a bribe to let them do so.

But, of course, everyone has had different experiences, and there is no "perfect" answer. With the AOT "limos" there may be less hassle, but you'll pay a lot more, and you would probably feel safer late at night. With the metered taxis, there's a possibility of running into a shady driver, but it's normally way cheaper. I guess it depends what your priorities are. In the name of saving money, I for one take the metered taxis and just hope for the best.

How many are emotionally stable? My estimate is 90% are unstable/crazy to some extent.

That's funny. I think it must just be the kind of people you're hanging out with. The majority of my friends are foreigners, and I found them to be some of the most respectful, ambitious, professional, caring, funny, adventurous, stable people I've ever met. I think you need to find yourself some new friends.

I think a lot of airlines (at least the full services ones) offer services for an "unaccompanied minor." I'm guessing it's not cheap, though, because of the extra staffing it may require.

A pantyliner! Really, it's perfect. You "carry" it around all day but don't have to worry about losing it, and you can rip it off whenever you're in a pinch.

If you do that would be great, let me know if you do. Thanks

Just curious...are you talking about Hopeland on Sukhumvit Soi 24?

You got me wondering if maybe I was thinking of the wrong place, so I looked it up. It's very confusing! Apparently there's a "Hope Land Executive Serviced Apartments" on Sukhumvit 24 near the Phrom Phong BTS (www.hopeland.co.th), AND there is a "Hope Land Executive Residence" on Sukhumvit 46/1 near the Phrakhanong BTS (www.hopelandhotel.com). The "Hope Land" logo/font looks the same on both websites, so maybe they are owned by the same company?

I still go past it on the way to work, so maybe I'll stop and check it out sometime...

I always wondered about that place. As far as I know, it's only been open a year or so. It looks really fancy in the lobby, but when I lived in that area (it's across the street from Pridi), I NEVER saw anyone coming or going, or sitting in the lobby. I hope someone else has some info.

Spoonman, can you take a picture of the ingredients list (if there is one)?

If I ever have kids and they ask that, I'm going to answer "because they love each other."

After reading more of these posts, I thought about my situation again. I said before that I could never live off of 20-30k/month. I guess the reality is that I COULD live off of that, but honestly, I just don't WANT to. I'm young-ish, single (and a woman so no extra "expenses" there), no kids, and not planning to stay in Thailand permanently. For the years that I'm here, I want to enjoy living in a nicer place than I could afford at home, having a maid, going on frequent vacations, eating good food, and staying at nice hotels. I enjoy having my time in Thailand be a break from the reality of home. And I don't see anything wrong with that! (And yes, I am still paying of debts at home, saving, and thinking about my future.)

A woman and no extra expenses eh?? Sounds like you've already made the decision to keep well away from the chaps who inhabit ThaiVisa. Sounds like you have a good life - long may it continue, there's enough moaners in the world.

Yeah, well I mainly said that because of the guys who talk about their "girl" allowance each month. That definitely doesn't run up my monthly budget. Boyfriends can be quite expensive too, though - it's not just women! For now I quite enjoy spending all of my hard-earned money on myself.

After reading more of these posts, I thought about my situation again. I said before that I could never live off of 20-30k/month. I guess the reality is that I COULD live off of that, but honestly, I just don't WANT to. I'm young-ish, single (and a woman so no extra "expenses" there), no kids, and not planning to stay in Thailand permanently. For the years that I'm here, I want to enjoy living in a nicer place than I could afford at home, having a maid, going on frequent vacations, eating good food, and staying at nice hotels. I enjoy having my time in Thailand be a break from the reality of home. And I don't see anything wrong with that! (And yes, I am still paying of debts at home, saving, and thinking about my future.)

You can refuse medications, though. At my hospital at least, I have gone to the cashier/pharmacist to get my prescriptions and discovered some medicine I didn't want (one was just Tylenol, which I already had stocked at home, and one was a cough suppressant that has never helped me before). They were a little confused at first, but then they were fine to take it off the bill and send it back to the pharmacy. If you think something is unnecessary, then don't buy it.

I didnt worry I didnt. tell my parents I was getting married and she couldnt tell hers. I hadnt been marrried before and neither had she. I know you all think T.V members are sad losers so have uploaded you a photo This is nearly 4 years later now so she's obviously in it for the long term payout right????

PS Guesthouse thanks for the warning before you post it.

I don't know how posting a picture of you and your wife proves anything. But hmmm, there is some very interesting body language going on in that photo....

I am quite impressed by people who can live off of 20,000 baht! No way could I do that. I sure could save a lot more money if I did.

OP, I think I can relate. In certain places around town, I smell the overwhelming odor of litter box. I don't think that's what it is (once was in a hotel room), but I can't figure out what it is. It's always the same smell but in totally different locations. And no, it is not the normal "Bangkok smell" or the "SE Asia smell."

To minimize fees, take out bigger withdrawals less often. Don't take out 1000 baht one day and 1500 the next day. Take out large amounts, and then just be careful not to lose it!