baobao

I'll second that, KhorTose. This is an old post, but the main points are still relevant: http://khunbaobao.blogspot.com/search?q=PJs

firecat69 asked on the How many times a year [do you] travel to Thailand thread: "Do you find it cheaper and available to upgrade to Prem Economy after purchase on KLM rather then purchase it in advance." - and I think it might be a good opportunity for folks to share how they handle upgrades, in case there are suggestions some have thought of and some might not have. The timing aspect is interesting, but is it less dependable now that more and more flights are leaving without an open seat? I'd be interested in hearing the experiences of others. I tend to stick with a couple of airlines that go where I often visit, and use their points for upgrades when I can. Now that a few more airlines have joined together (for example a couple of new additions to Star Alliance) it creates more opportunities to gather miles/points. Some use specific credit cards, and some credit cards - such as American Express - can offer credits you can apply, too. What are your favorites, and why? Shortfalls are also welcome - i.e. mileage that expires quickly.

EXCELLENT question... hoping others will share their experiences on their airlines of choice I'm going to start a new thread for this.

I thought I'd read that Warwick was opening another business in the area, but it could merely be that they're doing some sprucing up of the place. Someone will chime in.

True, but most would simply watch it and not need to download it and/or keep it. For those who wish to DO that there are several types of freeware or shareware that would allow them to download it from YouTube. YTD Video Downloader works well.

Lord, yes... the Facebook news feed was re-loading SO fast they might be wise to post a warning for epileptics. I'd just offer this: IMHO it wasn't a "win" for either side, pro or con... it was a win for common respect and common decency.

Sorry if it didn't hit you right kokopelli, but I've heard similar reports from at least a half-dozen guys over the years. You may have missed the part about bad behavior on both sides of the edge of the stage. As I replied in the comments for that post: "Today's is a story I've heard variations on many times - you may have, too - and please remember I'm just the messenger."

Rather than re-hash it, I'll just add it's common, and offer a money guy's story I posted a couple of years ago HERE:

Om Yim still has some of the same staff (i.e. owner Aek) as a couple of years ago and is worth consideration. I'd stay there again.

I agree about ants being an unexpected and unwelcome visitors; I've had invasions happen to me two times there in Bangkok, and that was two times too many. Sathorn is nice, too, but I've come to prefer the Chong Nonsi area. As another place to consider there's the Glow Trinity, although their prices have gone up a bit since the linked review below. Ants story Glow story

I don't recall you asking for me. I must have been off that day Seriously, though - after hobbling about for a day after my first massage in Thailand my friend laughed and suggested I say "bao-bao" to the massage therapists, also. He said it meant gentle or gently. Since people say that's me overall I picked it up as my online handle.

The hat tipped me off, and a tip of the hat to him. Quite a life, and quite a list of accomplishments.

As I recall (and this is sketchy, as it was a minor issue at the time and at least 10 years ago) the guy was 10 - 15 minutes late.

Just to add another opinion to the mix, I've used Mr. Toom's taxi serivce for well over 30 trips, and have only once had a driver not on time. In the earlier days they'd sometimes show up 30 to 45 minutes early and I would feel (OK, only a bit) bad about them having to wait, but otherwise they've been timely. One time I had a driver who needed to stop for an energy drink at 7-Eleven, and one time I've had to ask another driver to slow down a bit, but otherwise I've been fine with the service and never gotten what I'd consider to be an old worn-looking vehicle. 1200B either direction from BKK to Pattaya for a sedan, 1800B for a van. He uses a lot of drivers (subcontractors?), and some of them maintain a room or live IN Pattaya. As for confirmations, if I've asked for them, I've gotten them. As I said, just another opinion.

A quick Google search turned up a lot of articles, one of which suggested contacting expat clubs for opinions and observations on retiring to a foreign country you're considering. http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/2012/05/21/a-low-cost-retirement-spot-in-asia was one of a couple I skimmed through. Naturally health care is always a consideration - in addition to the overall cultural level of caring for the aged and I hope this thread will generate further input. While GT has a divers range of members I'd consider checking ThaiVisa and other forums, as well. If you find something useful there, share it here, too!

Neither am I, Christian, but I'd wager a 1000B note on two likely possibilities for the article: [1] money and [2] attention

As careful as you are with funds that kind of surprises me, Christian! I've never been to the place in question, but in general I personally try NOT to go into a situation like that with any more money on me than I'm OK with losing. Stuff happens, life goes on. So far it's worked for me, but I've never had anything like that happen to me... so far!

It could still use a thorough cleaning - enough mildew in the showers to possibly warrant a sand-blasting - but it's open in the same spot and has about 15 to 20 guys on duty at a time - some actually having pretty good massage skills... you have to specifically ask the mamasan for them, though. About a five minute walk from the Chong Nonsi BTS station, past the Om Yim and around the corner to the left.

Don't know who the hosts are, but the answer to your second question is simple: because they CAN.

As a follow-up to my original question I wanted to thank folks for the advice - it worked. There are a number of carriers available through dozens of dealers, with plans that are both reasonable and have good coverage. The airport shops open at 0830 - too long a wait for me after the long trans-pacific flight - but I found four major carrier shops within a block and a half of my hotel, with English-speaking folks who were able to install my SIM and activate my plan. Not having a lot of time to visit there this trip I just took a basic plan for around $12US, and was most pleased with it. My phone is a "dual chip" unit, so I was able to just add the Taiwan SIM. Again, thanks for the advice here and via PM. Taipei is a fantastic place for a stopover: easy transport, a wide variety of scenic spots and friendly people. I'll get around to posting about it soon.

This is how Fan Club looked one evening a couple of weeks ago. I was sorry to see the place shut down, but Adonis more or less takes the sting out of it closing. Hopefully someone will re-open it.

Thanks from here for the mention, too, pong. It's been about nine months since there have been new items, but the 700+ posts there still get reasonably heavy visitor numbers - something that often surprises me. I've gotten emails saying you can read some of my stories (re-worked) on another blog, but as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery I cut the poor guy some slack! I've been working on other projects, but since people have asked I've thought about doing new posts again when I'm home from Thailand. I'd second the mentions for christianpfc and Ilz - worth a read, too.

If I'm going to be hit by a car while crossing the street, it's likely to be the first day or so I'm there while I'm getting used to drivers going the opposite direction from those at home. Those old habits of "left-right-left" are pretty well set in what's left of my gray matter. I thought I was going to have my shoulder dislocated one time when a friend yanked me back out of the way.

Yes, he did, z909 - but thanks to both of you for your help. It appears it won't be nearly the problem I thought it might be!

As long as we're off topic, a wife was whining about a weekend away her husband had planned for them, saying "You said we were going to wine country!" and he replied "Everywhere you GO is whine country". Sorry - back to the topic. Thanks for the reports, TMax.