Laawman

Well, you have to admit, it doesn't look promising...!

22+ years ago, savings account rates here were as high as 14%, so keeping the 800k on hand in a Thai bank was a no brainer. These days, the rates are pitiful so probably better to see an agent for the 800k and leave your money at home where you or your dependents can access it. I've often wondered what happens if you've bought a condo here and you end up dying intestate. Guess it just disappears into the ether of the Thai legal system or someone's back pocket more likely!

Not sure this will be of help, but............. when I got my retirement visa through an agent, I was required to open an account with Bangkok bank first. This was 3800 but did include one year of personal accident insurance which I guess could come in handy if you ride. There is also this link to a Facebook group which may also be helpful (or not!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/PattayaExpatsClub/posts/10166853675835291

I shall take a closer look next time.

Move along please... nothing to see here...move along please. The nonces-in-brown have been rousting hookers along the beach road since time immemorial, but the authorities like to put on a brave face to show they're not completely useless.

I don't think exotic and UK should be used in the same sentence! What I really meant was that if you're already in the UK then it would be a good idea as many of them are very exotic looking and have no interest in taking payment for any services rendered.

Plenty of Indian trannies in the UK, no need to go all that way!

I've had that issue a few times as well.

Thought I would walk past Treetown for a change and came across this bar next to Cafe Pitini. Only about 6 LBs in attendance and I just can't recall having seen it before. Managed to get off one photo, but I'm sure the rest are the usual suspects. Oddly enough, the the bar closed at 12:15 so bear this in mind if you're going to pay it a visit.

I was 'accosted' along there a few days back - the LB in question started to touch me up, but in reality was patting down my pockets to see if I had anything worth nicking. I pushed her away firmly but politely as I had my phone and wallet on me at the time. If you do go trolling for a bit of action along there, carry nothing but a few hundred kept in your shoe for emergencies and unmissable deals. There really are some good looking LBs along there - but watch your wallet!

Almost reminds me of the good old days along beach road (back in the nineties and noughties). Everyone used to laugh at the old duffers sitting there with their cheap beers from 7/11, but they had obviously been where we were yet to go! If only we could recreate those days along Yin Yom beach.........if only.......

Definitely no getting past that barrier - perhaps only by bicycle. I'll have a look up soi 5 next time I'm passing.

Well as long as there is somewhere to go whilst in Naklua then I'm not too fussed. I wasn't overly impressed with the buzz of the area but more research is needed as I have a sneaky feeling that it's a bit cliquey up there. If I was ever considering renting a condo then I would have to take this into consideration.

I was up there a few nights ago also - reasonable activity in some bars but the rest of the place was dead. TJs looked dead AND buried!

I was thinking about Laguna Beach 2 for location, but at 24 sqm I am needing to think about that for long term letting as it's too small for a sofa and coffee table even. It's getting precarious now as many rentiers are setting 10k minimum rent once current contracts expire, plus the Russians are snapping up everything left on 12 month contracts - no doubt sub-letting to draft dodgers! Going to need all the luck I can get.

'Last Tango in Paris' springs to mind!

I think it would all be much simpler if I just got my ass into one of the Laguna condos and keep it local!

Many thanks for the reply - I was indeed looking to avoid any DUI issues by taking a back route! Looks like hanging a left off Thepprasit road is the only other way, short of going the long way round and using the Suk highway.

I would say yes, it's pretty much the same as others I've seen. WYSIWYG. Could do with a bit more butter, but at least you get the requisite knife to spread it with.

More of a question for those in the area, but is it possible to travel there by car/bike along the beach road section late at night? I'm only asking because I was under the impression that they closed the road to traffic after 10pm, but this could of course be out of date info.

Captain's Bar, soi Honey - 99 bht. Not bad if you're looking for somewhere new to try.

Judging by the road blocks, I think the traffic police assume that also!

Good to see Tom's is still rolling. I used them 3 yrs ago - turned up 20 mins early, decent car and a smooth drive. Of course YMMV!

I would never have guessed that looking at her photos! Those filters, eh? Hope that place is a temporary fix, as I just can't see it lasting unless the whole street bursts into life. The gym looked quite interesting though.

Took a trip over to Jomtien last night, Rompho area to be more specific. Looks like the planned redevelopment isn't going to happen as many bars and restaurants are obviously re-opening albeit with a fairly modest customer base. Took a stroll down to the beach and then up to soi 3 for my inaugural visit to Emmy's where only Teya and the cashier were present. Had one Singha and then left for Na Jomtien to check the volleyball status: no-one playing but it was busy there I can confirm. Left for home, only to be pulled over by the Nib for a breath test at the top of the hill on Thappraya Road. Those fuckers - I haven't had one since 1980! Bit of a moment there, but was neg. With the old recipe Singha, I wouldn't have been so sure. Anyway, here's a few shots to liven up the report: