Alexx

I cannot quite agree as far as Bangkok is concerned, on both accounts. Firstly, Lumphini Park is currently a protest camp, so it's probably the worst park for jogging at the moment. Secondly, there's no lack of other options, depending on where you stay.

I think you've summed it up. Mahidol University is indeed one of the best universities in Thailand. There are several different rankings, some also specific to certain faculties. Mahidol University can usually be found somewhere at the top. That said, I think it's fair to comment that degrees from any Thai university (including the best ones) have a fairly dubious reputation outside Thailand, and in Western countries in particular. Both in academia and in Corporate America, having a degree from a foreign university makes you a more interesting candidate at first glance. However, at second glance, the question where this degree is from comes into play. A prestigious UK or Continental Europe university will then look much better than even the best Thai university, that's for sure. Studying in Thailand is more a lifestyle thingy for those who aren't Thai. If you're really after academic achievements, it's not the place to study. There are some notable exceptions, however, rabies research comes to mind. Also, I know quite some people who came for just a term or a year as part of an exchange program. That's great, because they could enjoy the lifestyle and got a degree from their home university nevertheless.

No, they cannot. First of all, the start of the AEC has been postponed from January 2015 to December 2015. And even when (and if) it actually starts, it doesn't mean that the "working-visa fuss" will be gone just like that immediately, at least not for the vast majority of potential workers. This isn't the EU. At least not yet.

Nice one!

I guess he means IELTS. Getting a visa for educational purposes should be very easy.

They're probably even much worse.

Also called the "thread starter" if that's of any help...

I agree, GB. That's an impressive list, even though some items aren't accurate. Maybe we can use it to predict the probability of an assassination for future presidents (with a higher level of accuracy than the Secret Service).

I've seen a couple of police officers on Jack'd and Scruff, and more than just a couple of soldiers on GayRomeo. I'm not sure if they'd be willing to entertain a uniform fetish (as in, wear their uniform while having sex), but it cannot hurt to ask I guess. I've got a very sexy friend who's an immigration police captain, but unfortunately for the OP, he's not a top.

Yep, I'd also recommend saunas and GayRomeo, between these two venues plenty of action can be found. That's assuming that the OP is compatible to those he's looking for, without using a certain lubricant called baht.

My guess (!) is that Federal Income Tax didn't exist before the Civil War. So President Lincoln probably signed it into law.

On the 14th and 15th (Monday & Tuesday), it's the same like on the 13th (Sunday), then it will all be over - at least in Central Bangkok. Just do as firecat69 said and you'll be fine. Have fun!

It's no problem to find a taxi at night that crosses the river. Well, at least not beyond the usual problem that some taxi drivers just don't want to go where you need to go... that can happen, whether crossing the river or not.

Mike, no matter where you stay, be extremely careful with your luggage. As others have mentioned, Songkran will be in full swing when you'll arrive. No matter where you'll go, you'll have a good chance of getting soaked.

I consider myself lucky that I didn't realize that the one in question is female. I didn't look too carefully, sometimes that pays off.

I'd guess I was 35 and my friend about 32. So yes, they didn't need to check my ID to make sure I'm not underage. I thought the scope of the question was broader, i.e. if this hotel is known to object to visitors (people who aren't registered as guests, but sneak up to the rooms) in general. I think they don't care, like most hotels in Bangkok.

An Indonesian friend of mine staid there and he brought ME as a guest. No problems whatsoever.

Sounds like a good strategy to me, enjoy yourself and let HIM worry about what you might be doing.

As far as the weather is concerned, May is typically one of the hotter AND one of the wetter months in Bangkok. Have a look at a climate chart, you'll see what I mean. As you'll probably mostly stay indoors and only plan to stay for 5 days, that shouldn't really spoil your fun though.

That depends on where you go. If you go to the popular tourist hangouts in Silom (let's say DJ Station on Soi 2, and Telephone or Balcony on Soi 4), it's easy enough to strike up a conversation. Many guys go there by themselves and to make new friends (for the night or for life, lol), so you wouldn't feel weird. Other clubs and pubs where people usually hang out with their friends are a different story, obviously.

If your boyfriend doesn't want you to join him in Silom, for whatever reason, chances are that you won't have a good time if you just tag along ignoring his wishes. If there's one place in Bangkok where many Thais celebrate Songkran with their farang friends or special ones (let alone farang strangers), it surely must be Silom, so his reasoning comes across as pretty peculiar. If he wouldn't want you to be around when he celebrates Songkran with his family or friends in his own neighborhood, that would make much more sense. That said, I've experienced Songkran in Silom many times and - leaving the boyfriend question aside for a while - I'd recommend it, it's really fun if you're into water battles.

I agree with the others, I think actual/literal "sick buffalo" stories have become very rare or even extinct, for various reasons. But ultimately it doesn't matter, many other stories told in the same vein have taken their place. Sick or deceased family members, rent or tuition due, ... In some cases it's an obvious fabrication and in others it's not so clear, especially when someone is genuinely poor or at least notoriously bad when it comes to managing money.

Sounds like a great plan! Yes, the waiting time is a bitch, but at least you have something to look forward to.

If that's your only concern, don't worry too much, many Thai college students who are interested in getting in touch with foreigners speak English.

NIrishGuy, that's an eloquent rant, but have you ever actually been to one of these saunas that are open till sunrise? Been there in the wee hours, I mean? I can tell you that Men Factory was almost empty the whole time I was there, at least 90% of the cubicles were therefor empty as well. And as I mentioned, I did find two hot guys to have fun with - the same might happen to the OP as well, he might not actually get any sleep.