Up2u

Unfortunately, as American who will be traveling to LOS soon this article's prediction is rapidly coming true. The $ is approaching 33.

This is confusing. Another thailand visa site with a similar name. Everybody knows about the well established site: http://www.thaivisa.com

I also send (wire) money for a condo purchase several times a year. I wire money directly from my U.S.A. bank to my Thailand account with TMB. I also tried to make educated guesses on exchange rates but have given up. Just send your money and don't worry about fractional changes on intra-day rates. Just to make your day, yesterday the USD went below 34 THB or the first time in over a year.

Swine flu hits Pattaya. From the Bangkok Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1458...0-new-flu-cases and the Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/06/11...al_30104897.php

My bf is charged 20 baht when making ATM withdrawls at TMB locations outside of the province of Chonburi (his home branch is in Pattaya).

I use the mega chain, Top Charoen. They are all over Pattaya and Thailand. In fact it might be a close contest on the number of Top Charoen's Vs 7-11's!.

Never had a song tow driver try to sell or take me to a gem or gold shop. I always pay a 10 baht fare and have no problems. But I know the system and do not engage them in a conversation for hire. If one stops and ask me "Bhai nai?" I just wave him on and wait for the next and pay my 10 baht. Over all it is pretty good system.

In the JomTien area I enjoy breakfeast at the SeaFalcon (right on the beach). You also get to watch many of the masseurs and beach staff on their way to work.

Could we make that tomorrow please!!!

Today's actions by Chairman Bernanke and the Fed have caused an across the board weakening of the USD. At the moment of this posting the exchange rate was 1 USD = 35.67 THB. Hopefully, this will be a short-term trend and the baht goes over 36 again and on to 37!

Bangkok condo prices have fallen but Pattya condo prices seem to be holding their own. It sems like sellers in Pattaya would rather wait for the market to turn around than take a low offer. I made 2 offers on shells that were 10% below asking price that were rejected. If I had a million dollar net worth I certainly could go more up-market here. A million baht doesn't get you much in Pattaya.

The baht has been over 35 for several days now. My friends are all getting over 35 on their withdrawls from using their U.S. ATM cards (those with fees or surcharges that is; not major bank ATM's). I read in the Nation several weeks back that the baht should go to 36 or higher mid-year but I am afraid we'll never see 40. In fact, long term most forecasters expect the dollar to fall quite dramatically.

Better buy that gift, we know you're a man of your word; from finance.yahoo.com: Last Trade: 35.085 Trade Time: 12:15AM ET Change: 0.000 (0.00%) Prev Close: N/A Open: N/A Day's Range: N/A 52wk Range: N/A Bid: 35.085 Ask: 35.110

I can recommend. He must take a placement test. http://aua.buu.ac.th/pattaya/index_en.html

Another vote for the Mata Hari.

The first graph has the currencies mislabeled (or inverted).

Here's a few Thai smiles:

GB, you don't know what a DSLR is (or SLR) and you want compact size and convenience. I would make life simple and get a Canon point and shoot like this one: http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/compacts/sd880.htm Canon badges the European and Asian models differently but you should be able to get this camera at Tukcom. I'm like fedssocr and have a big Nikon with thousands of dollars in lenses. For your purposes the mentioned Canon will be perfect. The KR site (www.kenrockwell.com) has a lot of information that will answer many of your questions.

The Thaiwalen school for learning Thai has been around for a while. I guess the Callen school for learning English is new to Pattaya. I sent my bf to A.U.A. in Pattaya with good results.

It's in the news here is America but granted not front page news. Reported on CBS evening news and CNN. Bob

Gayaffairspattaya also has an article. http://www.gayaffairspattaya.com/index/whi...sunee_plaza.htm

Suggestion. Why don't the bar owners work with Mayor and police to establish checkpoints/barricades during the evening bar hours. This was done years ago under the social order policy of Minister Khun Purachai in the Bangkok bars. I believe there are 3 entrances to the Sunee. The police, police volunteers or monitors with police oversight could check ID's for underagers. Bar workers and residents would have passes. No system is full proof but it sends a message people are working together to address the problem.

You could also add Universal Gym on Beach Rd near Pattaya Klang. Is California Fitness the same as California Wow?

I see. Thanks for the "news".

Several weeks back I visited Top Man at a friend's recommendation. I was surprised. The bar was full of energy and with lots of youthful (18+), handsome young men dancing and having fun. I have always visited this bar in the past but left quickly. Typically bbbboring with a capital B. If Villa Rouge has hired the "old" Topman staff they will have a problem. Hopefully they will do their own recruiting.