Laawman

Not sure how recent this is but I was a little surprised when they asked for payment this time. Guess I'll be attempting to do it myself online next time, once I've figured out how to fill in the form correctly. Don't want to end up having to go to Jomtien in person because I've messed it up!

I like the classic, slutty femboy types such as Miu Nich below. At first I thought she had named herself after a city in Germany......

Well I went along again last night but there was only one left standing! I can confirm that the bar fine is only 300 though. There are 2 more in the bar opposite - one is more 'mature' shall we say, and the other appears to be a wannabe sissy boy which might interest some.

Spotted another place last night in soi MiT, name of Blue Moon bar. About 5 LBs in residence at time of writing, 4 of which can be seen here. Just sayin'.......

I think Wise is probably the best idea, especially as they can issue you with a debit card if needed. It's also possible to do it using a crypto account, but would involve having to open accounts in both your home country and in Thailand e.g bitkub. No transfer fees, but there is a conversion fee. For the above methods though, you will still need to open a Thai bank account as already mentioned.

I will try other banks and report back. Prefer to use my own bank's ATM but sometimes they're empty or out of order, especially in soi Buakhao.

Just stuck my Bangkok bank debit card into a Kasikorn ATM and.................. no B20 fee! Is this nationwide these days as there always used to be a B20 charge, or is it just K-bank? It was only for B900 so perhaps the amount is relevant. Updated: Also add TTB bank

Beach road has neither been dark or deserted for the last 15 years. Unfortunately.

Farangs will always be considered second class citizens out here so you always have to keep this in mind. This a high profile case (made the UK papers) due to it being in a tourist hot spot but I suspect similar happenings occur all over Thailand and no-one is any the wiser especially if the guy has no relatives. Personally, I prefer not to get involved in things that I can't just walk away from, whether it's relationships or larger purchases!

I expect the verdict will be suicide as usual.

Somebody does - though it might be by bike of course. They stay with you throughout the entire process.

OK, so before I forget... Went to the shop this morning (soi CP33) and she informed me that the IDP was valid until it's expiry date so long as I had a visa to be here, which I have. If I want to convert it to a Thai DL then it will cost 6k (for both car & bike) for which I get the full service. This will consist of 2 escorted trips to the centre (eyesight test, reaction time test, but no practical tests), medical certificate, residence certificate, photos and that's pretty much it really. She's ex-immigration so I'm going to assume she's knows the score.

Hopefully, I should have the answer tomorrow as the shop was closed today. Then I shall reveal all straight from the horse's mouth...

I will definitely be using an agent which most likely will be the same one as Ridez4kicks in his vlogs, but only as it's a minutes walk away. Maneerat also recommended Mot's services so I'll keep them in mind also. I sincerely hope that I don't need to sit any tests for a DL but I think the agent can sort this out for the usual greasing of palms. I believe the police aren't interested in how long ago you arrived, but the insurance companies certainly are if it means they can dismiss a claim on those grounds. Watch this space.

Just curious as to whether anyone knows how long this can be used for once in country. I know they are usually valid for 12 months but I've a sneaky suspicion it can only be used for 90 days once you are here, then you have to re-enter and it starts again? If so, I'd better get mine converted into a Thai DL sooner rather than later!

What is going on with Rompho these days? Not so long ago it was all going to be knocked down, but now seems to have burst into life again. Was pretty crowded a couple of nights ago.

Many of the bars didn't shut until 3am last night - is anything new going on?

No, but I think clock timers should be. The number of people just sitting there nursing a drink when others are queuing up to get a table is beyond the pale. I've given up and now just order a takeaway instead.

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!