grumpyoldman

If you are not ready to deal with the prices of the local transportation, rent a car. Be stuck with the other 200,000 Russians who have cars, and take hours to get 30 miles. As far as talent, was at the Laguna bars Rawai 8 months ago, 5 decent looking ladys for every 30 muay ThaI heads and Russians. Not interesting, hello Tinder.

Something with a view and near some nightlife. Do not want overpriced Shangri La/Amanpuri, reasonably priced under $100US a night. Thank you in advance.

Thank you Presnock. Yes, have done some wreck diving in Subic. Got an open water cert in Phuket some years back. Did not have my Padi book on me when I went wreck diving in PI, the guy running the show asked "do you remember how to breath underwater?" Sure I say. Good2go.

Japanese businessman goes to the ophthalmologist for an exam. Dr. says " I see you have a cataract" Japanese man says "no I drive a Rincoln"

When I was working in Phuket,would see hotel customers overlooking Patong Beach and the first 10 meters into the sea during high season would be brown. Totally polluted. You would need to pay me to stay in Patong. Palm Resort Rawai gets $2200thb a night in high season, but that is a bargain, thank you for the tip. Cheers, GOM

March of last year, best value I could find Rawai way was a guesthouse on a side soi a couple blocks from Rawai Beach, $2800thb a night, 75$US. In the Philippines that same money got me a super deluxe room in a luxury hotel, view of the city in Manila, a great room with my own private deck over the beach in Boracay. But after spending 11 years in Phuket it was worth it to see good friends. Downside is that the population has tripled from when I lived there, total zoo. THB at 30 to the US dollar, probably just going to do the Philippines this year, Northern Luzon, Cebu, south of Cebu to dive with the whalesharks.

Is that why Tony Robbins doesn't spend time in Phuket, or is it the Russian invasion that's made the island too crowded?

Thats the program I'll be after. 4 months US, 4 months Khao Lak area maybe...., 4 months Philippines but not sure where. Going to check out Cebu and Northern Luzon early next year.

As earlier said, to each their own. Would prefer to live by the beach as opposed to an hour and a half RT to the beach. Road carnage in Thailand is horrific, have driven those roads a ton. Nice pics though KhunLA.

"But to each their own" Exactly. I actually prefer won ton soups, dumpling soups, fried rice etc., to a lot of other food. Not a money matter just preferences. Did have some decent Tandoori too.

I lived in Thailand 2005-2016, and after having experienced a few Songkran Holidays (water throwing festival in April) used to take that holiday time and fly to Angeles. So this was probably 2010-2014. Angeles was a ton of fun then. Great times in the bars, wild pool parties. I think Covid really did a dumper on the place, plus the Korean takeover; from what I see online (recent youtube vids) it looks dark, dirty and dreary. February this year, I did Manila instead, had a great time. Flew from there to Boracay for a week, back to Manila a couple nights, then a flight to El Nido, Palawan (great time !). In conclusion, at this point in time would recommend Manila over Angeles. Haven't been to Patters in 20 years, but good friends were there in June and raved about a really good time.

City Garden Grand gets my business. I had a great room with a view looking out over the city. Two blocks from Burgos, cheap food across the street at a noddle shop. I mention this because the rooftop restaurant, Firefly is very good, but really pricey.

Traffic in Phuket has gotten horrendously bad, although now being low season maybe it's lightened up a little? Anyway, you don't want family and kids spending half their holiday in a taxi, in traffic going from Nai Yang to Central, or Phuket Town. Had family from Sweden with kids stay in Karon. They loved it. When looking at the water it was the resort furthest to the right down the beach, used to be a Centara...it's the last one on the beach as the road goes uphill towards Patong. Great pools, kids had a blast. Low season ocean at Karon can be treacherous, so do be careful.

Pretty sure most of the big Phuket hospitals have mental health clinics. Maybe shoot email to the info at link of Bangkok Phuket or one of the others. Best of luck.

Complete speculation, but get out on that famous viewpoint ledge, turn around for selfie with phone, stumble, lose balance. RIP young guy, condolences to parents and family. Truly tragic.