PattayaMale

Thanks to both bkkbob and wowpow for the reply and suggestion

I will soon start to do some remodeling. I am trying to find a whole house air conditioner system. They must have them, but I can locate a store. I currently have 6 airconditioners. 5 are very old floor mounted units. They work fine but are not very efficient. I figure it might cost close to $8000 US to replace what I have. I imagine that having one big condensor/compressor with contols to turn off the vents in unsed rooms would save on electric bills and maintenance. Maybe not??? But I have not been able to locate stores that sell them so I could ask. Anyone have information?

There is a prediction that the dollar is in for a vary hard time as the housing market in the US crashes and massive debt of the government continues. The Thai baht may become one of the best currencies....we must wait to see. Any predictions from those that may understand this better than I do?

I believe that Amor is an all you can eat, family style with 2 seatings. And Cafe is served as one plate by the waiters. Shenanagans (?) at the Marriot has an all you can buffet with turkey plus ham and rosat beef for 650. Some Thai do not seem to enjoy turkey, so if you celebrate with a Thai you may ask him first. As for me, I will be cooking at the house for friends. I found a method a few years ago that calls for soaking the turkey in cold salt brine for 12 hours before cooking. It seems to make the white meat juicier. By the way, the price of Turkey varies widely. A "Butterball" turkey of 5 k at Foodland cost 1800B same size turkey but another brand at Lotus 850 B.

Have they started taking credit cards yet ?. That was one big complaint about the place but it certainly looks very grand. When I was there last week they said they are still working with the bank to set up for taking credit cards.

I have eaten several times now at Clubbers in Sunee Plaza. The nightly specails are about 185. The portions are large and it continues to gain popularity. The German Chef, Eric is always walking in and out of the kitchen, making sure everything is ok. The waiters are playful and the food is heavy German food. Last night pork roast ( 2 large pieces), fried potatos, mixed vegetable, a garnish salad and basket of bread. I parked my bike at Memories, walked down to Clubber and then back to Memories for coffee. Memories was also very full when I was there. It is worth a try

Not complaining but making others aware. I walked from Carrefour on Thrid road to my house which is near to Xzyte today. I was able to see these wonderful holes, where the manhole covers had been removed or not replaced properly on Central Pattaya Road. There are a few beautiful covers that have a unique fish design that look new. One motorcyle driver asked if I needed a ride when I walked past. He said with a great Thai smile "road not good." as he saw me almost fall into a hole. We both laughed.

I will be going to Siem Reap and then Phnom Pen with 3 others (2 are Thai) Dec. 5 - 12. We will be taking a van to the border and then walking through immigration, then continuing to Siem Reap. We will stay at The Golden Banana for 4 days then taking a boat to Phnom Pen, staying . for 3 days then fly back on Air Asia. I have no idea what to expect but will write about our trip when we return. We have debated taking a van to the border and then onto Siem Reap. Has anyone done this? We feel this may be a good way to see the country side, but have heard that it is a bumpy ride on the Cambodia side. Any suggestions?

I had dinner there last week. The steak, and clam chowder was great. I did think that there would be more customers. We were there from 7:15 to 9:30 and saw only 2 other tables, each with 2 diners. The other nice thing is that they will provide transportation if you need it.

It appears that the water service has been cut due to this construction in the area I live. A few houses have had to buy water...

My boy special brought me some roses too, It cost me a small fortune! I am surprised that there is not more dress up in Pattaya on the male side. It is becoming one of the best holidays, in terms of candy sales in the US. West Hollywood, CA (where I used to live) usually has over 200,000 show up for their gay halloween fest. One reason that many in Pattaya don't get in costume is that somepeople may not wan to go off with someone that looks too ghoulish.... .

Geezer posted "Mendacity" I wish he would stop using words I have to look up in the dictionary. It is...well it is too damn intelligent of him! And that is the very last thing we need here

I also have ADSL with TOT at my house. It stopped working. I called TOT a few times. Finally 2 guys showed up to fix my problem. I explained that everything worked fine for many months and then just stopped but I had a phone signal. They looked around the hous eand then told me I had too many outlets and they cut the wires at four locations. They said another person whould show up "soon" to fix the modem/router. I was shocked they they cut the lines without saying anything first! Especially since I paid a TOT to add the lines in my house many months ago!! Well i have my DSL service back now but no phone at the pool, pourch, bathroom or guest bedroom!! I think I will get a wireless router so I don't have to worry about a connection at those locations. Any suggestion for brand?

I am not sure, but I have been told that to be eligible for the 30 baht plan an adult Thai needs to be part of what some call "social security". In othe words they must be paying income tax. Maybe someone else has better information.

"Thai trade to be hit by sanctions (By Bangkokpost.com) Thailand is bound by tough new sanctions passed this morning (Thailand time) by the United Nations against North Korea. According to the UN resolution, trade between North Korea and Thailand must be governed by tough new restrictions, including closer inspection of cargoes and possible bans on trade by groups or individuals to be named by the United Nations in the next few days. The sanctions were adopted this morning by a majority vote by the Security Council, and were especially notable because it was the first time that China has joined the world call for harsh sanctions against its ally and former wartime partner. The UN demands directly address known trade between North Korea and Thailand, and seek to close down the sort of international cheating for which Pyongyang has long exploited Thailand." I did not know until today that Thailand traded much with North Korea.

In Bob's post he quoted part of the Patriot Act. In what I wrote, I was considering the recent changes of what also maybe known as the "Detainees Bill". I used the genaeral conception of what I was disgustingly call the "Patriot Act" because I do not consider it Patriotic when compared with what the US currently promotes as democracy. Let me quote a journalist who ecently wrote "The version of the detainee bill now in the Senate not only undoes much of the McCain-Warner-Graham work, but it is actually much worse than the administration

I am very impressed with the wording that was quoted in the first post by Gaybutton. The idea of respect for others, in my opinion, is very lacking in the Bush's administration policies. As I posted before, I am very embarrased as a USA citizen as to what is happening now in the US. And as for protests, yes there are some, but if you read the amendments to the "Patriot Act" it appears that even US citizens can be held for any reason without reason if so deemed. That is not the type of democracy I hope we will find in the new Thailand charter........I wish I could find the spell check. Could someone PM me and let me know, please

TeePee, Why am I not surpised that of the hundreds of stories coming out of Bangkok, you would be the one to find that one:) Nice job!!

GT, Thanks for the information. It seems that you travel alot! In the last few years I have not flown domestically much in the US. I am impressed that you currently have a millon FF miles! Good for you. I guess I am too lazy to keep checking NWA when for $2400 I am certain to get a business/first class seat on EVA's new 777. I really can't compare NWA seats with the new EVA 777 since I have not flown NWA internationally for several years. I do like the new lie flat seat but it would be better I think if the seat was more horizontal. Do you, or anyone else, know how the seats compare now?

I have 93,000 frequent flier miles on NWA. I have tried to book on NWA from LA-BKK and return several times even many months in advance. Each time I try to book there were no FF seats available or the "upgradeable" ticket price was more than I would pay on EVA. The miles that I have don't expire and were accumulated when a person could upgrade based on "any published fare". I enjoy EVA and now always fly with them and accumulate enough miles that allow me to upgrade to premium class on a $700 round trip ticket flying on the new 777. Last try on NWA they wanted $1800 and I could only upgrade to Narita then coach for the next 6 hours to Bangkok. Maybe there is another way to do it....Traveler Jim around????

Maybe this would be a good poll for someone who knows how to create one. I have been in and out of the US Traveling internationally only to Thailand for about 8 years. I usually return to the USA twice a year through LAX. I have always been treated professionally and never been asked any unusual questions or detained. I really need to find the spell check button. Help!!!

"A Rose by Any other Name" quoted me and asked for a reply concerning where a person could find a better cheeseburger than NN. I want to make sure that it is clear that I did not say anything to discourage anyone from having a drink or eating there. I think everyone should decide for themselves. I ate there and decided. I enjoyed the cheeseburger, did not enjoy the fish and chips. However I think everyone needs information pro and con (if there is pro or if there is con) so they may make an informed decision. As to the tone of "stinky" (A Rose By any other name, my name for the rose is stinky), I don't think I could suggest any place that you may enjoy since we all have different tastes) Tee Pee on the other hand has listed several that you may find to your taste. But if I were you I would not avoid NN. "It is up to you" Oh, and when they have FREE buffets, it gets very crowded. So get there early

I don't know the reasoning as to why they want the 800,000 in the bank for 3 months, but I have a theory. Anyone can have a mix of monthly income and savings as long as the mix is enough for a person to live on for a year. If a person gets a pension each month of 65,000 they are deemed to have enogh to live on...or a mix that equals approximately that amount if drawn down over a years time. What happens if some one "borrows" 800,000 for a few days, draws it out to repay as soon as they get the retirement visa? They may not really have enogh income unless they work illegally in Thailand. Also it seems reasonable for the authorities to question how a person who may have only 800,000 would replace the amount they draw down. It is just a theroy......where to I find the spell check for posts????

I read on the Pattay City news that a gang of young people (15 to 17) had been arrested for many thefts occuring over a long period of time in Pattaya. I also noticed that the pictures of these theives were taken with their faces covered partially by a ski mask. It seems to me that no matter the country (and yes I disagree with the same policy in the USA), people who commit crimes (alleged) should be revealed. I know that saving face is important in Asia so I believe this may help in combating crime. Views?

I hope that all business post things of interest. But I don't agree that businesses should get a free pass just because they advertise. If "relentless" advertising occurs, then those that feel the advertising is inaccurate should feel at ease about pointing this out. I am not agreeing that this business is not a good placee to visit, but it is my opinion that other places have a beter tasting burger by far. Also I think the promoter has done a wonderful job promoting a business through the forum. I wish others would also...maybe they don't have quite the need to do so