Trenton42

It is the Thai way to shift blame to others, "We've been doing this for years and if the nasty news outlets weren't making a fuss, there wouldn't be a problem!" Where I live, I see people being stopped and searched almost every day of the week. The difference is that the cops here don't stop farangs. Although culturally insensetive it could be that the Thong Lor cops are acting within their purview. Let's hope the media pressure keeps up!

Considering how much they pay for taxis, I would have thought the Russians are paying more for the girls.

Have a couple acquaintances that use Grab in Bangkok, and they like it. For some reason Uber doesn't seem to be working as well. Paper says government is making a stink about it. As long as the taxis are licensed, don't see what the big deal is.

Good news! It's a nice place to spend the afternoon.

Having been stopped at Ekkamai myself and having friends that have been stopped elsewhere in the Thong Lor precinct, I believe the reports that the number of stops have escalated. I deal with it by staying out of the Thong Lor precinct. As much as I enjoy Darkside and some of the other shops in the area, it's just not worth the risk. CIB opens earlier than Darkside, has more girls, and no problem with police in the area. Sounds like a no brainer. There have been absolutely no reports of the police planting anything on anyone during these searches, but who's to say they won't start. Businesses (like Darkside) that pay money to the police should start raising a fuss; after all, it affects their business. And hopefully the military will see the articles and do something about it. But I understand your point; maybe the searches haven't escalated and they're just being reported more. IMO, it doesn't matter because the searches shouldn't be happening at all!

I have been stopped at Ekkamai. And have 3 friends who have been stopped just east of Soi 23, on Soi 22, and just west of Pra Kanong. The Pra Kanong guy I've known for 15 years. He was so upset after the search, he decided to move to AC.

Although this has been going on for some time, I heard the Thong Lor cops got bent after the military pulled rank. Publicity is a good thing if it can get the military's attention. After all, searching tourists is bad for tourism!

Jing jing! http://theofficialrolanbolan.com

Pretty sure their son's name is Rolan Bolan. Could be wrong. I think old timers is setting in.

City bus should do, or long haul baht bus. More difficult getting back, so included transport is a good idea. I'd like to think there would be vans or baht buses looking for customers after the show, but in Thailand you never know. Driven past Mimosa a hundred times and never noticed it.

Good one Siam Sam! I especially like their son's name.

They've been arresting about a half-dozen cops a day since the story broke.

The knocking shops were open the next day. I think the military just wanted to show the police who is in charge. There are a few different things in play here. There's a police bribery scandal in the news, and a few of those arrested have been from the Thong Lor precinct. And on top of that, the military is dismantling Thaksin's organization of corruption and intimidation. I don't think it was about the shops at all.

The more pressure the military puts on the Thong Lor cops the better. Maybe that will bring an end to the sidewalk searches.

How about if you just copy my memory stick?

Don't know if they're fresh off the bus, but it seems to be a popular gathering point.

Thanks. Will probably stop by and have a look at what's available.

Thanks globetrotter. I guess that would be the same in most shophouse guesthouses. Looking for a place to stay a long time. La Bamba certainly has a decent location.

Found her! https://chaturbate.com/lovejeje/

Any recent critiques of La Bamba Guesthouse? Looks interesting.

Keep your eyes open for Jeje. She's from Nong Khai, and on Chaturbate often.

IMO his best was Town Without Pity. Ronnie Montrose did a good cover.

The Left Bank.

Obsession in Pattaya is expensive (compared to most other Pattaya LB bars), and there is a lot of pressure to buy anyone who passes by a drink. But the bills are computerized and well laid out, so it's pretty hard to pad a bill and very easy to see what is going on. I usually hit Obsession every night I'm in Pattaya, and have never had a problem with my bill.

Can't vouch for *all* the Eastiny hotels, but I didn't have a problem with the Eastiny Plaza on Soi 8.