Trenton42

Doesn't it make sense to ask for help from those who can, instead of forcing people to pay?

Nice update!

There seems to be a strategy for the last few pages to go to small banks. I always thought it better to go to a large bank because odds are better English will be spoken there, and one can reason with people. That worked for me when I got my account. Also, K Bank has a really bad reputation here. Wouldn't go to K Bank for any reason. I don't even use their ATMs.

Who is the one in the leopard print?

She wasn't semi-naked, but she was certainly dressed to thrill. Walking with Suzy from Stringfellows to the Penthouse. I think I had a hardon the entire way.

+1 for Taverna del Passatore. If they only had San Pellegrino and Lambrusco, I would be in heaven!

One more thing about the big Bangkok Bank on Sukhumwit: Don't bother with the tellers on the ground floor. Go straight to the service desks on the second floor.

A few years ago I went to the big Bangkok Bank on Sukhumwit to get an account. They said I could not get one because I did not have a visa; I had a standard visa-exemption on arrival. I argued that there must be a way because I needed the SWIFT information including account number to set up wire transfer orders *before* I got the visa. Every time they said no, I just repeated my argument. Seriously, that must have gone on for ten minutes before the clerk whispered to me that I must get a certified copy of my passport from my embassy. At the embassy, I had to fill out a form requesting the certified copy, and wait to be interviewed by one of the farang officials. Was out of there in less than 30 minutes. Went back to Bangkok Bank and looked for the guy I talked with before, but he must have seen me coming. Anyway, a lovely girl helped me instead. As soon as she saw the certified copy, there was no problem. IIRC, 130 THB for the ATM card, no mention of insurance. Turned out later that I got free insurance with the 10k THB initial deposit. Later because I was tired of paying the Pattaya surcharge every time I used my Bangkok ATM card, went into the Central Festival branch of Bangkok Bank, showed them my passbook from the Bangkok account and passport, and they opened an account on the spot. They even filled out all the forms for me. All I had to do was sign it. 130 THB, and no insurance. Although I did get an email saying I was awarded free insurance once the account went over 10k THB. I have two insurance policies, but have no idea what they're good for. Just my luck they would be life insurance. Don't want to be worth more dead than alive here...

Page 6 reports Jenner will have the operation this summer: http://pagesix.com/2015/03/09/bruce-jenner-to-undergo-sex-change-operation-this-summer-report/ Found that curious as I thought candidates for the surgery had to live a year as a female first.

I think it's Champoo.

Taking Sukhumwit from Pattaya to Ban Chang is actually the long way. If you took a dedicated van service, chances are they went over the hill saving more than a few kilometres and minutes. The Tesco is a rather large landmark in Ban Chang. It's probably a good guess that the buses stop there. I don't know what the proper etiquette is for Thailand buses, but have never had a problem flagging one down in Ban Chang. I understand your concern though. How about an afternoon trip to get the lay of the land?

Don't know about a week or two, but definitely a fun afternoon out. Found another page: http://www.bangkokeyes.com/2009sep01.html

Have a look here: http://www.bangkokeyes.com/banchang9009.html

Buses run to at least 10. Might have baht buses after that, but that's a long drive in the back of a truck.

IIRC, the bar area I am familiar with is on Sukhumwit Soi 25. I can double check that for you, but not now. Send a PM if I forget. If you miss your stop, just take a motocy taxi; they're all over. Ban Chang starts at the far side of Utapao (AKA Pala Beach). You don't want to get out there. Ride the bus all the way into Ban Chang proper. If you are worried, get out at the big Tesco. Usually lots of motocy taxis there.

There's a ticket girl on the bus. Just tell her, "Ban Chang." On the way back if you mention Pattaya Tai, they usually make an effort to make sure you don't miss your stop.

The bus stays on Sukhumwit all the way to Ban Chang and Rayong.

I have been able to flag it down, but that doesn't always work. I don't recall if there is a bus stop under the pedestrian bridge at Sukhumwit and South Road, but have caught the bus there quite a few times.

Should add that the blue city buses usually stop in Pattaya at North, Central, and South Roads.

Go to Sukhumvit, take a big blue city bus going South to Rayong, and get off in Ban Chang. Not usually very crowded, and they stop whenever someone wants to get off. Price is cheap too. Something like 25 THB.

Why not just take a bus?

I hope the good news keeps up!

"Place the lotion in the basket... Place the lotion in the basket..."

Sounds like you're talking about Candy.

I have no idea. I just call them all tilac!