Rossco

I hear that Hi Boss is moving to "Ripley Believe it or Not" entertainment center....

Good thread Hound

2 from a restaurant - must be run by LBs.

I reckon there is an opportunity for a professional proof reader here in LOS

Apologies for quoting in Baht but that is the local currency and that is what property is quoted in. As currencies go up and down as quickly as an LBs Bikini it makes no sense to convert to USD. Currently the rate is circa 30 Baht = 1 USD.

I am happy to help with info but I am not a Realtor. When you say a small love nest do you mean a studio or a 1 bed or a 2 bed? A friend rents a new 1 bed in central Pattaya for 15,000 Baht per month. Do you want a communal pool, fitness centre? Do you want centre of town or not. Do you want to buy or rent. Prices vary by a large extent.

Try "google" Pattaya+property for actual information that you can peruse and select the ideal property for your personal requirements.

I would recommend renting for 3 or 6 months initially - a good friend of mine did this and tried 3 different locations before selecting a village 15 Kms (about 9 miles) south of Pattaya. He is interested in Yacht sailing and has a permanent Thai girlfriend so does not need to visit Pattaya. Everyone is unique just as you are.

Frank was a pathfinder at using the Internet and more specifically the Forums to promote Club 131

The venture only lasted about 6 months - April 2007 until late Sept 2007 when he did a moonlight flight.

The bar limped along until mid Dec 2007 when it was reborn across the road as La Bamba

Club 131 still exists but reverted back to a GG bar under the original French owners.

Frank had the right idea but cashflow caught him in the end - a small bar does not really make enough money to live a grand hedonistic lifestyle 7 days a week. It was a case of a Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer budget.

Sally's Bar in Jomtien Soi 5 had a sign saying that they were closed

24th and 25th June

2nd and 3rd July

I agree that there can be some incredibly ignorant ass holes in the bars.

But that applies to all bars in all cities all around the world.

Would I choose to live in Sydney's King Cross, Hamburg Raperbahn, London Soho - absolutely not. There is hardly a city in the world whose 'downtown' area would appeal to me. Chiang Mai is a lovely old city but I would still not live in the centre.

Pattaya centre is for the tourists and sadly few visitors manage to stagger out of this zone. Too far, what for? etc etc.

Just 3 Kms from Sodom Central you leave the Bar Zone. Venture further and you arrive in normal Thai villages with their own markets, shops, salons, food carts etc - and, please do not tell anybody, beer is 50 Baht for a Large bottle of Leo AND there are NO macho men in singlets.

Of course it means that should you wish to engage in conversation with a singlet individual, or go mongering for a LB, you are 10/15 mins away. The up side is Pattaya has large supermarkets, shops, shopping malls, some great restaurants (not in the bar zone), cinemas, dental clinics and even good beaches (10 Kms South of Jomtien)

If you really want peace quiet and personal karma go live in Issan central - plenty of LBs and no bars!

Nok tells me she plans a raffle - I wonder what the prizes will be...............

Lung

Read my preface to my post...

I guessed that as soon as I quoted expenditure there would be some controversy. Everyone's view of expense is unique so I can only quote from personal knowledge. I know many who spend far more than me but these guys are still working (Oil and Gas) whereas I am retired. I also know many who spend far less due to their own finanical situation.

It is down to an individual lifestyle. No I do not have a butler nor a maid but I pay people to take care the Pool (3 visits per week) and the garden.

When I retired I was determined to enjoy myself - you are, after all, a long time dead. I am not going to judge anyone else but only post my personal facts. I would never criticise your lefestyle and expenditure profile. If you read through what I wrote I explain my preferred lifestyle and in so doing explain my expense.

Perhaps it would help if you posted some detail about your expense for comparison.

I know guys here who are proud to live on 20/30 thou baht a month - up to them. We are all different.

Glad you discovered the benefit of a retirement visa. 800,000 in the bank which you can use during the year and 1900 baht per annum fee. The only snag is if you choose (NOTE I said IF) to go the 'proof of pension' route of 65,000 income per month HM Govt (UK) need proof. Our Colonial Cousins (USA) just pay their Emabassy 50 USD and get approval/endorsement.

I hope by providing some level of detail, by specific expense category, it will help people judge and calculate their own personal profile. Some may want to dine out more, persue hobbies like golf, whore every night. My expense reflects my profile and just mine - one size does not fit all.

I think next time I will just stay silent and let FMs figure it out for themselves - just as I had to. The more info that gets posted the better. I would hate to see any fellow man arrive here under a delusion of "I can Live on 5 USD a day". My back packing days are over so I wish to enjoy my life.

I doubt I could live as well in the UK, all inclusive of Council tax/Utilities/gas for car/Insurances/Sat TV/Internet, on 71,000/month. (1,400 GBP). I doubt I could afford a pool - but who would want that in the UK?

Also anybody considering the move here should be aware of Forex rates. I moved here and got 75 baht to a GBP - now it has crept up from 43 to 50. That has a significant bigger impact that retail price rises.

I even managed to get a car loan without a Thai partner - but then that is my secret. Woe betide I should post about that - I am happy as I did manage it so I do not need to hear that it is NOT possible.

Patty Cash - the cashier at La Bamba is celebrating her birthday on 6th June from 8.00pm onwards.

The theme is "Sexy" - I have no idea what that means as I thought they already were.

Food and Fun

KenW

Interesting to hear about Vietnam.

Population of Thailand is 64 million and Vietnam 84 million

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_in_2005

Thailand and Vietnam are similar in that the countries are economically/socially divided.

North Vietnam vs South and Thailand has Issan which has over 50% of the population.

I guessed that as soon as I quoted expenditure there would be some controversy. Everyone's view of expense is unique so I can only quote from personal knowledge. I know many who spend far more than me but these guys are still working (Oil and Gas) whereas I am retired. I also know many who spend far less due to their own finanical situation.

I have a 3 bed/2 bath house on 880 Sq Meters of land. I also have a pool and maid's quarters (empty).

A breakdown of expense would be:

37,000 Dining/Entertain/Drinks/Cigarettes - Batchelors tend to go out more - 1200 Baht average/night

3,000 Gas for car/Motorbike

7,000 Groceries

7,000 Insurance - Health/Car/Home - Average per month but paid annually

2,500 Utilities - Electric/Water/Garbage

3,000 Garden/Pool maintenance

1,500 Phone/Internet

10,000 Repairs/Misc - Unplanned expense. PC fix, Mobile battery, Lighting, Decorating, Car service

71,000 Total

So my figure may be totally different to any other person. If you take out the discretionary spend it is 33,000/mnth. So if I cut down on the nocturnal side I could live more cheaply.

A foreigner may buy a Codo here and they start at 1.5 million Baht (studio).

Obviously prices vary by location and size - there is not one price fits all.

It is possible to buy a house here. 3 options:

1) Buy in a Thai nationals name - not the best choice as TRUST is a big issue

2) Buy land in Thai's name. The dwelling in the foreigners name. Has a renewable 30 year lease on the land. Problem if you try to sell during the lease period.

3) Set up a limited company whereby the foreigner has 49% of the shares. The law firm reps hold the other 51% but you have a letter of authority giving you 100% voting rights

Prices vary enormously based on location and the spec. A friend recently built a new house having acquired the land separately and ended up with a superb walled in home for total 5 million baht.

Rentals vary greatly. Depends on location, age of property, facilities. A basic condo with no pool etc is about 15,000/mnth. A townhouse (2 storey/2 bed) outside town about the same. Houses outside Pattaya town with Pool etc start at 35,000/month

I understand your point re Pattaya. Why would anyone live in a whore house long term? Holiday I understand but for life? Howver Pattaya does offer all the other amenities so living outside and far enough away makes it perfect. You want to go to Pattaya it is 15 minutes away but may as well be a million miles away. So close enough for all the benefits but far enough away to have a normal life.

Both in Pattaya and outside I can get my 'top-up' of Western food. In fact the place I go for Sunday lunch is superb - Turkey/Beef/Lamb/Pork all served with the usual trimmings.

I know a number of foreigners here, from many different lands, and we are all guilty of moaning about something - must be old age! The major gripe is the Visa but it is only every 90 days and a quick visit to immigration. However we all are of the opinion that we would not return to our country of citizenship. Every country has its awkward aspects but I think a small price to pay for a far better lifestyle.

I have been shocked about the insecurity people feel back in Farang land. People tell me that they do not go into their local town at night. Pattaya, for all its bad rep, feels safer to me - but then

I do tend to stay out of the dark Sois and avoid the Beach at night - all common sense.

I should have included this piece of info.

In my opinion if you live here, and I mean live not party like you would on holiday, then about 75,000 Baht per month is enough to live on. This number excludes rent or any debt.

If you choose not to buy a property then rental depends on your requirements. A town house will cost 15K Baht per month. A condo depends on floor area and where located but can be had for 12K up.

A house and pool will start at about 30K per month.

A note re Condos etc - normally there is a monthly resident maintenance charge. Many people think a Condo is cheaper but this may not be true when considering any monthly charge. In my experience (5 Years) I have spent a great deal less, on maintenance/repair, than the monthly charges on a condo.

So a choice re residence is not the initial outlay but the 'cost of ownership' is a hidden cost to be considered.

I must emphasise the difference between 'Pattaya Locals' and Thai Locals.

I have discovered some great non Pattaya locals - kind and tolerant.

Most guys here come to holiday - that is not the same. Every country I have lived in (resident) has been very different to the holiday experience. Thailand is no different - well it is different in that I cannot master their language nor their beliefs and customs.....I was not born nor raised here.

So distinquish between a 'run of the mill' Thai and a whore. Same in your country.

I have seen so many guys sponsor, buy houses, motorbikes etc for basically a Hooker.

Do not get me wrong - since the Vietnam war many guys have been to visit and fall for the gentle Asian charms - that is how they are. Genuinely so as Asia has not been polluted by the Western female emancipation shit.

So I also spend more than I should on 'entertainment' - I could return to Europe and date some lardy/spacehopper 50+ bitch with more baggage than Imelda Marcos. What would you choose?

The price of a couple of Ladydrinks and a Bar Fine and an agreed sum - I should try that down the Dog and Duck in the UK on a Saturday. Haha....

My point is try and understand the people and keep your big brain in the foreground. You would not fall for a hooker in your own country - smother her in gifts, fall in love and then marry her.

I hear more stories each week that I just laugh at and say 'ther goes another sucker'.

It is like a mobile phone - take a contract or pay as you go. what is best value for you and is it what you want long term....

Sorry I do not post here too often. Obviosly what I say is my opinion - we are all different so no one person's choice can reflect that of another individual (My legal disclaimer!)

I have lived here for 5 years and am still inclined to prefer to live here than back in Europe.

A number of factors made me choose Thailand and Pattaya.

I wanted a warmer climate all year

I could afford to retire early in a country with a lower cost of living.

I wanted to live where certain facilities were available:

- Hospital

- Dentist

- Western restaurants

- Western supermarkets

- Entertainment venues and Golf

I do not enjoy living in major cities.

I also felt that Thai is a difficult language so I would be better to live somewhere in Thailand where English would be spoken.

Having first arrived in Pattaya I hated it. I had been to many parts of Thailand over a period of 20+ years and had always avoided Pattaya - My first impression confirmed my original view.

However Pattaya did meet the above criteria. I decided that I could not

1) Live in Pattaya town nor Naklua nor Jomtien

2) I could not live in a gated community

So I looked outside Pattaya and found a great location which makes you feel that Pattaya is thousands of Kms away but is actually only 15 minutes. In fact the village has its own daily produce market, Hair salons (I do not need these too much these days), Post Office, Internet shop, Tesco Lotus/711.

So I do not need to visit Sodom by the Sea too often - unless I fancy a Take Away!

Cost of living. The GBP has taken a big hit - when I arrived it was 74 - now it is about 50 but did go as low as 45 - Ouch.

My utility bills - Electric/Water/Garbage cost me 2500 Baht per month. That includes running a Pool Pump and Water pump to the house, I also use fans and some AC. So that is 50 pounds a month.

There are no Rates/Council Tax/Property charges.

Health Insurance is 55,000 Baht per annum. House + car Insurance another 30,000 per annum

If I compare these to costs in Europe I am much better off here.

Adapting to Thailand is not easy - they do not like Farangs - just our money. Once you understand that fact and absorb it then you know what the score is - just stop being fooled by the superficial smile and accept that if they can rip you off they will. You must be more vigilant and never let your guard down. If you are out on the town recognise you are dealing with and talking to Prostitutes and not the "Womens Institute". Bars are not registered charities so you will pay for a drink - just like in Europe. A Tiger beer costs between 45 and 85 Baht in most bars - 1 pound to 1.50. BUT I can drink a large bottle of Leo in my village for only 50 Baht. So if I want a beer and avoid the bar banter (Hello sexy man) I drink locally and thank my stars I do not live in Pattaya.

The locals are different and actually quiet helpful - they are not bar workers...

If I need a job done at the house I have local people to help and support me. My gardeners charge me 300 baht per week to do the gardeen/clear the gutters etc.

If you move here and choose to live the holiday hedonistic lifestyle you will either die young or become very jaded. The bar scene is NOT Thailand and the people you mix with are not going to provide intellectual stimulation.

I am always amazed at guys who will actually 'trust' a bar worker. Would you trust a hooker from your own country - think about it!

Buying property here - individual choice here. If I was moving here again now I would probably rent.

I did buy BUT I have doen OK on paper. I actually bought with a rate of 75Baht to one pound. So an example - Buy at 750,000 Baht cost 10,000 pounds. Assume sell at 750,000 Baht today at 50 Baht to a pound and I have back 15,000 pounds.

Moving anywhere can be traumatic. I have lived in a fair few places and there are always adjustments and obstacles - try the bureaucracy in France, the Hotel des Impots etc

Thais are very different in their thinking and there is absolutely no point arguing with them nor changing their mind. Best to be courteous and polite and bite your tongue. Not easy but with practice you will get there.

Only my opinion

Terrific party and well attended

There will be no Volley Ball competition this year.

A number of reasons but Thpon proposed it and pledged both his support both in terms of finance and assistance.

Thpon subsequently announced he would not be involved and was unable to deliver on any previously promised committments - Corporate sponsorship and venue.

Bob, of Stringfellows, and the new owner Steve, suggested we go ahead as we had a committment from a team in Malaysia and C&D in Phuket. That would leave only 3 teams to find from Kyoyo, Pook, La Bamba, SoWhat/LuckyLove and Bangkok

Sadly C&D had to pull out yesterday.

For the event to have any chance of success would require at least 6 teams.

A further discussion took place and perhaps (and that will depend on sincere committment) an event in late Feb/early March 2012.

For the event to be worth all the effort requires:

6 Teams/Bars

30 BM sponsors

80+ Ticket sales

Corp sponsorship

Venue - hotel providing pool/buffet

The target was 150,000 Baht to charity where all actual asponsorship money would go to the charity and not be used to subsidize the party.

The cost of the event would be covered by bar entry fees, auction, ticket sales.

The event requires a significant amount of planning and preparation and most BMs do not live here so are unable to physically assist.

Should Feb/March 2012 firm up I will keep you posted.

The idea of an event was started here. I am delighted it was 'kicked off' on this new Forum. Now we need to look at the larger audience.

Thpon and I will post something on the other popular Forums so we can maximise the interest and attendance.

This will be a Water Volley Ball contest. It will take place at an hotel so that both the competition and party are all at the same venue.

The event is currently planned for October 2011 which fits in with Hotels/Bars and the weather!

Arrangements are apt to change as we fine tune and finalise the venue, teams, costs and sponsorship.

Entry will be by ticket only. There will be limited tickets on offer, at 1,000 baht per person, as total numbers will be restricted. 48 Contestants, 8 Bar owners and partners, Judges and BM Sponsors (sponsorship gives them a complimentary ticket).

Sponsorship:

BM Sponsorship - entitles sponsor to a ticket. Amount to be agreed/fixed

Corporate sponsorship

People may 'contribute/donate' a smaller sum than sponsorship, to their favorite bar, or directly to the organisers, but no free ticket.

The plan is have 8 teams. C&D from Phuket, Pattaya Bars (Stringfellow/Pook/SoWhat-LuckyLove etc) and hopefully at least one from Bangkok. That will be 48 contestants.

To make recognition easy, by supporters, each team will have a color coded bikini - White, Black, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow etc.

There will be 6 matches in each of 2 groups - the winner of each group will go to the final. 13 games in all. Starting at 2.00pm the games should be finished by 6.00pm.

The party will start at about 7.00pm. I am sure many LBs will be late as they preen themselves for the evening ahead!

There will be a Buffet/BBQ and some complimentary drinks.

There will be an auction and a Best Dressed LB Competition to provide some entertainment along with a Disco. The event will finish at about midnight (12.00pm)

The event is hosted to raise funds for the Jesters Care 4 Kids charity. To ensure that sponsors feel that their contribution is destined to a good cause the actual costs of the event must be covered by Ticket sales/Bar entry fee/Auction. This will mean that BM and Corporate sponsorship money will go directly to the charity. Obviously we wish everyone to have a great time.

The thought of 48 LBs in wet bikinis, for 4 hours, should be enough to whet the appetite of all BMs.

I do hope that there will be maximum support for this event and that it subsequently becomes part of the Pattaya calendar.

What does an individual get for their 1,000 Baht ticket:

* Free entry to the most unique Water Volley Ball competition - 4 hours of it

* Free Buffet

* Complimentary drinks (limited)

* The company of 48 LBs who are not at their place of work

* Chance to bid on some great auction items

* A chance to attend a Gala evening

* The chance of many Kodak moments

What does the Bar/Corporate sponsor get:

* Positive coverage at a unique event aimed at helping needy children

* Media coverage

What do the LBs get:

* Prize money

* A great day out

* An even better evening out

* The pleasure of your company

It is hoped to have media coverage (TV and Newspapers) at the event so we hope all attendees will behave accordingly! One of the objectives is to improve the image of our preferred desire and this is an opportunity for them to 'shine'.

The major problems are:

* Getting the bars to commit and contribute - 8 Bars required. Bars need to put in 8,000 each

* Finding an Hotel willing to give up their pool area etc.

- 48 Competitors (6 per team), 8 Barowners + 70 paying guests + 30 sponsors = 164 people

* Getting 30 Sponsors at 3,000 Baht each

* Finding some Corporate sponsors for Beer/Auction items etc

Currently there is not much enthusiasm here in Pattaya from the bars - and it is they that actually make the competition.

I appreciate the promise of help, when you are physically here, but the effort and work is required now. Any help in April will actually be too late. To make a date in April/May needs people here, right now, doing the work.

Volunteers/Photographers at the actual event is not the issue, nor workload, it is the organisation required today.

Rough numbers - each and every element still needs working:

Based on 8 teams of 6. Buffet plus 4 comp drinks per attendee

Comp tickets to Competitors/Bar owners/BM Sponsors

Number Price Expense

BBQ Buff 164 300 49200

Bar 656 40 26240

Music/PA 1 5000 5000

Equipment 10000

Bikini 48 300 14400

Printing 600 10 6000

Accom 4000

Travel 6000

Prize 1st 6 2000 12000

Prize 2nd 6 1000 6000

Prize Oth 36 500 18000

Judges 4 1000 4000

160840

Number Price Income

Tickets 70 1000 70000

Auction 30000

BM Spon 30 3000 90000

Spon/Bar 8 8000 64000

Ext Spon 4 15000 60000

314000

Net 153160

Sponsor 150000

The control is that "Sponsorship" goes to the Charity and the Bars/Tickets/Auction (*) pay for hosting the event. In that way sponsors do not feel that they are subsidizing a Party - an important ethical point to sponsors.

Corp sponsorship will take time and will only be forthcoming if we get Pattaya Mail/People/TV and Jesters (the charity)involved. This will be critical both for fund raising and auction items. Through successful publicity we can promote the LBs in a better light and sow the seeds for a regular event.

Identified corporate sponsors are:

* Thai/Bangkok Airways

* Tiger/Singha/Chang Beer

* Thai Tourism Authority - Pattaya

* Pattaya Mail or People

Personally I would rather have the time to organize it correctly and reach our target than rush it to fit with individual travel plans.

April/May will be a rush and I personally do not have enough time to do it justice.

August is one of the worst weather months here. Nobody is swimming in a tropical thunder storm!

August may well be a popular time for vacation in the Northern hemisphere but it is LOW season (due to weather) over here.

I still have the list of 30 sponsors from the competition in Oct 2009 - less than half actually attended as their focus was on the charity fund raising aspect.

In 2008 the Big Bash was a party with the Volley ball/Charity as an addendum.

In 2009 the Big Bash was a Charity fundraiser/Volleyball competition with a party.

In 2011 the focus is on Charity, improving the LB image through positive publicity and everyone having a terrific full day of entertainment.

If all you guys want to do is party, when you are actually here, then why not just organize your own special party? I am sure any one of the bars will be more than happy to cater a party and make some money in low season.

It made BBC World News last night....

Great initiative. I think not the first - did not Turkish airlines, or someone like that, have a LB Steward?

Guys I appreciate your withdrawel symptoms but to organise 8 bars (48 LB competitors), raise sponsorship, confirm the venue, arrange publicity - all in 8 weeks.......

Very roughly the costs (Hotel/Buffet/Equipment/Prize money) will be in excess of 50,000 baht.

The objective - otherwise no point arranging it - is to raise 100,000+ Baht for a charity for kids.

So that makes a target of 150,000 Baht to raise. Ticket sales at 1000 each - guess at 70 paying guests (contestants get in free) will leave 80,000 baht to be raised via sponsorship.

Please be realistic! Of course you could volunteer to arrange it all........

The last event was well photographed by a number of contributors and I am sure that, if and when the event occurs, it will get good coverage on all the popular Forums. Last event the German magazine FOKUS actually did separately 2 double page spreads on both the competition and the party.

As the old saying goes "You only get out what you put in!"

It is difficult to have a GFE when your brain is suggesting you visit one of 20 other LB venues with fresh pickings......

There is a big difference between a guy on vacation and a resident.

A resident can hardly butterfly 365 days a year - too much in terms of cost and energy. So for a resident a steady, or semi steady, partner suits.

Vacationers - the newer people to the scene seem to either prefer a constant companion (security) or just go insane and shag anything that moves.

I think as we all get to know the scene/venues better we tend to prefer to go 'fishing' rather than hang out with one specific LB. There are just too many out there. When you live in a candy store you can become bored with candy.

One warning for the resident GFE guys - have you got an exit strategy. As the old song goes "Breaking up is hard to do" and normally costs money.

The proposal of another "Competition" for LB bars is brilliant.

The last event in Oct 2009 was a big success as everyone had a good time and a significant sum went to the charity Jesters - Care 4 Kids.

Following that success the participating bar owners had a meeting where some ideas were proposed.

1) The event has to be held outside High Season - Nov to Feb. Hotels cannot cater the event

* That leaves March to May - exclude April due to Songkran

* June to Sept is monsoon season - check out Thailand weather

* That leaves October

2) Post the idea 4/6 months ahead of time to give BMs a chance to consider whether they can attend or not

3) Plan an event that takes place all in one venue - Sports competition and Party.

4) Make the event a whole day and evening with entry by paid ticket only.

5) Provide a Buffet/BBQ and bar in the evening

6) Negotiate rooms for competitors to change for the evening

7) Negotiate a discount room rate for guests

8) Invite other LB bars outside Pattaya - Bangkok/Phuket

9) Employ proper judges for the sporting event

The group decided on 'Water Volley Ball'. 4 players per team with 2 reserve. A minimum of 6 teams

This means finding an hotel with the following criteria:

* Large enough pool

* Buffet/BBQ area with some undercover sitting - cannot trust the weather!

* Prepared to make their pool/BBQ area private from 2.00pm until midnight

Sponsorship. To ensure a successful outcome for the charity will require some generous sponsorship:

* Bars raise sponsorship through customers

* BMs pay to attend

* Auction of various items

* Bars pay entry money to participate

Outside sponsorship:

* Hotels

* Beer providers

* Other Pattaya venues

Publicity:

* Pattaya Mail/People newspapers

* Pattaya TV

The set up costs will be quite high:

* Hotel - perhaps a rental charge for pool etc and changing rooms

* Buffet/BBQ

* Bar at cost

* Promotion

* Visiting bars from outside Pattaya will need transportation and accomodation

Ultimately it is a fund raising event with some clear objectives:

* Raise 100,000 Baht plus for Jesters

* Improve the image of the LB community at large

* Promote all our favorite bars

* Have a blast (for a price!)

For smaller bars they could create a team jointly.

So now you can volunteer your services to make it happen! just imagine a whole bunch of bikini clad LBs bouncing around from 2 until 6 followed by a good meal and lots to drink.........