Hello everyone.

I am visiting Thailand for the fifth time this coming August and am staying at Karon Beach.

Would appreciate input from members on here on a few matters:-

 

1) Coffee, love it and need good short blacks to get me going each morning. Not a fan of American chains or other chains who add a service charge then GST on top of it all. 

Much prefer Thai coffee.

 

2) The ashes starts August 1st. 

I need my cricket fix, particularly when Australia is playing the poms. 

Where can I watch this on a big screen with a couple of cleansing ales, and maybe a pom or two close by to see me gloat, or vice versa?

 

3) Massage in Karon Beach. 

Who can give me a few clues on the better establishments.

 

Thanks a lot for your input.

 

Kermit

I have an Australian motorcycle and drivers licence plus international.

Would love to hire a 150cc or bigger fuel injected Honda and go for a few trips out to where real Thai people live. Can anyone recommend where I should go, day trip would be good, or even a couple of days. 

Am staying at a beachside hotel near the roundabout and have paid accommodation for a month as a bolt hole.

 

 Who  are the most reputable bike rental guys in Karon to use. (Aussie Bar??).

 

Would also be keen to meet any, well most of you Thai Visa people (????) preferably in Karon but ok with Patong if necessary.  

 

I have followed this forum for a long time and appreciate all the humour, sarcasm and honesty.

 

I would appreciate hearing from  long term expats that are not happy with new financial arrangements being implemented by the Thai authorities and what you see as your future. 

Reason being is that my wife and I have been hoping to join your ranks as expats, certainly not in Bangkok but lovely Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or Krabi town, or Isaan or Phuket for some time now.

 

Thanks for reading this.

Kermit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many questions, a few answers.

There are plenty of good coffee cafes around Phuket (and Karon) these days. The abysmal American ones are no longer the only choice. Check google for one near you, or walk around and see what you can find.

 

As you have the correct licenses, you can legally hire a bike here. Possibly won't even void your travel insurance if you prang it. (make sure you have insurance)  Larger sizes than the normal scooters are readily available, as are dealers. An easy fit for the "reputable" label might be a little harder to find.

There's an Aussie bar on Patak Rd  about 250 meters up from the circle. They show AFL and rugby, you'll need to ask about the ashes. Bring your own Pom. Plenty of massage shops on Patak Rd, and everywhere else.

 

Local expats don't easily intermingle. The organized gettogethers on Phuket ceased many years ago through lack of patronage. Most long termers have their own interests and groups of friends. Although some readers here may be interested in meeting for a beer.

When you cease being a tourist and become resident here you will tend to fit into different social circles and make friends. Generally expats don't  hang out in the tourist zones. Other Thailand retirement cities seem to be a little friendlier and may be more welcoming to newcomers.

However, if you head north to live, buy gas masks.

 

For long term visas, Thailand does ask expats to meet higher levels of funding requirements than many other countries in the region. The "new" financial arrangements for expats don't affect me as I have always used the lump sum in the bank method, and keep it in situ. What's changed is that they now want declared monthly income actually transferred into the country, and they are checking and enforcing that requirement. Many who have been fudging it, are now finding life difficult and are having to make hard decisions.

Poor response from our Phuket residents. Thought more would respond.

 

I agree with everything Old Croc says.  Especially about meeting TV members by post to meet up. Does not work well in my 23 years experience on this forum and previous Phuket forum.

 

As for retirement extension. I do same as Old Croc. Just keep the 800k in the bank as an emergency fund.  I could do the 400k marred to Thai way but it's such a paper hassle. I could transfer 65k each month. Thinking about testing if that works next extension while having 800k in back pocket.

 

As to up North Mai and Rai. Be prepared to bail out 2 or even 3 months of the year due to very poor air quality. 

Not much to add that hasn't been said.

August will hopefully be very wet(fingers crossed), not taking the piss, we're in need of rain big time at the moment.

Cant see us rolling the Poms unfortunately, though you never know they may have a WC hangover, fingers crossed again!

Other than the Patong stretch it's a nice little ride along the west coast for a small bike, sort of as far as the airport, you can head off the island (will have to use the highway for a bit, go through the check point and over Sarasin bridge that links Phuket to the mainland)) and have a sticky around Phangnga, some nice little out of the way beaches on the west side, as your here for a month and if you end up with a bit bigger bike you could also have a look at khao Lak, nice little town 1.5'ish hours north or Phuket just use google maps or whatever and follow your nose.

A decent place to watch some footy and cricket maybe the Islander in Islander in Rawai, i think they do a Sunday roast, another good roast on Sundays at Happy Days on Sunrise rd heading towards Chalong pier, Have a sqiz at the favourite restaurants forum (https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/188466-list-of-favourite-restaurants-in-phuket/).

Probably don't need to tell you but will anyway, get or bring decent helmets, continually check your mirrors (rule of thumb: everyone on the roads an idiot and they're all trying to hit you), try to steer clear of tuk-tuks, if you out on it maybe arrange a driver beforehand.

 

Thank you Old Croc, Living in Kata and beechbum for all your most helpful comments.

Never thought about bringing my own helmet but it is now packed together with a lighter pair of gloves.

Just a final question, how determined are the police regarding the occasional speed indiscretion and do they use hand held radar?

 

Last trip I drove a hire car from Krabi to the turtle rescue and breeding centre then over the Sarasin bridge and on to Patong. Was very impressed with that trip and the one mentioned above, Khao Lak, sounds right up my alley. 

Ride a Honda CBR600 and a Moto Guzzi Nevada 750 at home so might try to hire something about 450 -500cc.

 

Thank you all again for your comments on here.

(And we can beat the poms, even if we don't it will be well worth the watch.)

The police generally don't care at all re speed (within reason) and don't use radars on the island although I've seen them use them on the large hwys on the mainland, there's cameras at most of the main intersections/lights.

reputed to be some speed cameras on the bypass and road after airport going north. Seen a mobile speed rig being tested on Patak Road but never seen used for real.

On 7/17/2019 at 7:10 PM, Kermit2404 said:

3) Massage in Karon Beach. 

Who can give me a few clues on the better establishments.

Sweet Lemongrass now has an establishment in Karon and it is a bona fide massage place, not a rub and tug parlour.

 

I know the owner and they (4 in total) are well managed and clean with well trained staff........well worth a visit at 300b an hour and I have 1 1/2 hr massage and fall asleep on the table. Very relaxing.

Just a thought but if your on Facebook you may want to join the attached group and maybe find a better/safer deal on bike (big/small) and car hire.

 

Apologies for a late response but I'm currently travelling and not checking TV too often.

 

A few places for coffee including some new ones. No recommendations as I make my own!

 

I'm in Karon and basically agree with Old Croc's first response. For the Ashes you can try Angus O'Tools, Walkabout Bar or The Living Room near Karon Circle or if you are in the other part near the Orchid, try Sanook Bar. They's all probably override the cricket for Premier Lague once the season starts, however.

 

I can suggest a very low key massage place next to Sunrise Divers but not too sure if she's open during August. You will find a number of places closed or in "low season mode" during your stay.

 

 

 

Thank you madmitch, 

Have made a note of your suggestions re bars near Karon circle. That is where I am staying. Definitely appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Found the massage place next to sunrise divers on google map, xylophone has also recommended a massage operator called sweet lemongrass. Will try both.

On 7/19/2019 at 2:33 PM, xylophone said:

Sweet Lemongrass now has an establishment in Karon and it is a bona fide massage place, not a rub and tug parlour.

 

I know the owner and they (4 in total) are well managed and clean with well trained staff........well worth a visit at 300b an hour and I have 1 1/2 hr massage and fall asleep on the table. Very relaxing.

Thanks for this info. Found them on google street maps. Am planning on a visit a couple of days after I arrive, most probably Friday 2nd or Saturday 3rd of August.

Cheers 

1 hour ago, Kermit2404 said:

Thanks for this info. Found them on google street maps. Am planning on a visit a couple of days after I arrive, most probably Friday 2nd or Saturday 3rd of August.

Cheers 

Enjoy your time on the table and feedback always welcomed!

On ‎7‎/‎19‎/‎2019 at 11:33 AM, xylophone said:

Sweet Lemongrass now has an establishment in Karon and it is a bona fide massage place, not a rub and tug parlour.

 

I know the owner and they (4 in total) are well managed and clean with well trained staff........well worth a visit at 300b an hour and I have 1 1/2 hr massage and fall asleep on the table. Very relaxing.

From memory, owned by a TVF member (wife)? Used to advertise their Patong shop on the forum? 

6 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

From memory, owned by a TVF member (wife)? Used to advertise their Patong shop on the forum? 

Not sure about that OC, however the Thai lady owner did/does have a farang boyfriend who spends much of his time in the UK and who recently had a serious cycle crash over there.

 

She does run a very good ship I have to say, and tries to employ only the best and well-trained massage women, and she also makes sure the premises are spotless.

Well I'm  here,  arrived last Wednesday very late.  Did manage to buy 2 large Chang's at 11pm from a darling at , name escapes me,  jet lag I guess. 

Seas are more hostile than my ex wife,  have managed a few carefully executed swan dives between the rips, they are ferocious , and are still occurring  every 50 metres on the length of the beach.

 

Be careful. 

 

Surprised more Chinese don't  drown  here.  This morning got three out of the water and showed them the outgoing rip. 

I think they thought I was offering them free citizenship in Australia  but they then thought I changed my mind and said England, Then they went back in. 

(must have heard the scores???????? in the ashes

Speaking Of:

 

(Steve Sandvick  Smith,  what a legend.) the guy goes into a trance,  amazing batsman,  captain  again 2020

Don't  blame the crowd for the boos,  deserved and the poms will never forget.

I however,  not even having met the guy,  would,  after this test think about performing a very offensive act that ladies in patak road charge an extra 500 baht for. 

<deleted>,  no I wouldn't. 

( um , Let me think about that for a test or two. 

But I still love him long time. Well for the ashes anyway. 

 

Went around to Aussie bar in patak  rd and suffered extensive aural decay from  a lot of very vocal guys barracking mostly for essenden. Buggered if I know who they were playing but the essenden  cheerleader in Karon had bigger tits than the chick who was sitting next to me.  And she was well endowed. 

Speaking of which I have had a number of great recommendations for good Thai massages,  sweet lemongrass on Patak road is certainly  port of call.  

I do have compounded l4 and l5 vertebrea that is an issue for me,  but hey,  live live long enough and shit happens.

So who here can recommend  me a seriously good place for a rub and tug. 

No 21 year olds,  preferably 50 ish,  and not the essendon cheerleader mentioned above.

 

Jumped on the smart bus this morning at Karon,  paid my 300 baht,  100 for the card leaving 200 baht balance.  Went down to rawai beach,  100 baht down and 100 back,  according  to timetable  and fee brochure given to me by the driver who took my money. 

Had a nice meal and a look around,  went back to terminal,  arrived at Karon  roundabout,  swiped my new rabbit smartcard for second time and driver said "extra 100 baht. " had a bit of a verbal blue but when a quite large dude got on the bus and I realized  he wasn't  a paying passenger by the way the driver and he were talking,  I paid the 100 baht. 

 

Forget  the rub and tug comment.  Was really  only having a dig at the essendon chearleader, only interested  in a genuine  massage and sweet lemongrass  sounds the go. 

7 hours ago, Kermit2404 said:

Well I'm  here,  arrived last Wednesday very late.  Did manage to buy 2 large Chang's at 11pm from a darling at , name escapes me,  jet lag I guess. 

Seas are more hostile than my ex wife,  have managed a few carefully executed swan dives between the rips, they are ferocious , and are still occurring  every 50 metres on the length of the beach.

 

Be careful. 

 

Surprised more Chinese don't  drown  here.  This morning got three out of the water and showed them the outgoing rip. 

I think they thought I was offering them free citizenship in Australia  but they then thought I changed my mind and said England, Then they went back in. 

(must have heard the scores???????? in the ashes

Speaking Of:

 

(Steve Sandvick  Smith,  what a legend.) the guy goes into a trance,  amazing batsman,  captain  again 2020

Don't  blame the crowd for the boos,  deserved and the poms will never forget.

I however,  not even having met the guy,  would,  after this test think about performing a very offensive act that ladies in patak road charge an extra 500 baht for. 

<deleted>,  no I wouldn't. 

( um , Let me think about that for a test or two. 

But I still love him long time. Well for the ashes anyway. 

 

Went around to Aussie bar in patak  rd and suffered extensive aural decay from  a lot of very vocal guys barracking mostly for essenden. Buggered if I know who they were playing but the essenden  cheerleader in Karon had bigger tits than the chick who was sitting next to me.  And she was well endowed. 

Speaking of which I have had a number of great recommendations for good Thai massages,  sweet lemongrass on Patak road is certainly  port of call.  

I do have compounded l4 and l5 vertebrea that is an issue for me,  but hey,  live live long enough and shit happens.

So who here can recommend  me a seriously good place for a rub and tug. 

No 21 year olds,  preferably 50 ish,  and not the essendon cheerleader mentioned above.

 

Jumped on the smart bus this morning at Karon,  paid my 300 baht,  100 for the card leaving 200 baht balance.  Went down to rawai beach,  100 baht down and 100 back,  according  to timetable  and fee brochure given to me by the driver who took my money. 

Had a nice meal and a look around,  went back to terminal,  arrived at Karon  roundabout,  swiped my new rabbit smartcard for second time and driver said "extra 100 baht. " had a bit of a verbal blue but when a quite large dude got on the bus and I realized  he wasn't  a paying passenger by the way the driver and he were talking,  I paid the 100 baht. 

 

 

Sounds like a great start.

One of our side trips is from Chalong around the coast road to Cape Panwa and up to the look out and go and have a look at the "Tarzan" set up too. Still rubber plantation in parts and very old Phuket style.

 

Search Google Maps for "Tarzan Adventure Phuket" and then follow the road up to "Kao Khad Views Tower"

and then down to "Laem Panwa" (use the exact spelling I have used as ther are several Kao & Khao Khad view points.

 

We never tire of poking up little side roads and it is amazing what you find. Phuket is such a mix of the Patong craziness, Phuket Town old architecture charm and old rural Thailand. Never sick of it, always something interesting.