lance2546

I now have a Bangkok Bank savings account paying .5%; I can get 4.75% at a bank in the USA. Not if you use an agent

Yesterday I was talking to a Thai guy that opined there was very little inflation from pre- covid 2019 to the present. Guess he doesn't bar fine much (He was telling me he changed jobs because his salary was insufficient and I remarked, "Yes prices for every thing are higher now.")

Same experience for me. They are a dour people and seldom smile. I see lots of Russian families around Second Road.

@Pulci GorgonMAGA is the acronym Trump coined "Male America Great Again." Populism aimed at US voter anger. Now I see why you were banned on another board, 555 @ZeppieWow you are making my point for me, 555. When some BMs say all world problems are caused by the US, I disagree and some board members declare that I am a far right radical for disagreeing. OK to criticize the USA but not OK to push back. What ever, 555!

I became aware of ladyboy message boards after my first visit to Thailand in 2001. I can't remember the name of the boards, but I recall one was operated by a Canadian guy, there was a Patrick that had a paid site, met farang guy, Las Vegas Bob (forget his board name) and a few others. At first I was fighting my attraction to ladyboys, the decided I wasn't going to live my life to please others, screw that, 555! I would go long periods with out posting, then some how I stumbled on to this, and the other popular site; PD remembered me and added me to the membership. I would say what I would do on LBR and not other forums is push back on some extreme political views (both far left and right) and anti American sentiment. I've come to the conclusion it a waste of time to point out hypocrisy. I see a lot of MAGA type behavior on boards, from posters that insist they are objective; they abhor Trump's behavior but use it themselves, because, well, it works! I just think of the old adage "never argue with an idiot; by standers may not be able to tell the difference", 555! Humans are tribal and loyalty to ones group Trumps all reason. (Pun intended, 555!) Most boards are over moderated on politics, so compliments to PD for allowing "spirited" debate. I've come to the conclusion it's best to only read, gather information and ignore nonsense posts.

Two women I trust more than any others are both Thai. YMMV

You are one of those American guys that have all the luck ruin it for every one else!!! Opps, I forgot, I'm American also How ya doin buddy? Yeah B38/ to USD didn't last long- but great while it did. I think the Thai Central bank is raising their interest rates, so the THB was bound to strengthen. Man, Soi Buakao is busy!

I was in Tree Town last night and wondered down the soi that connects it to Second Road. I stopped in the little bar on the right, Pams, or Pan something, I forget the actual name and there were two LBs working in the bar. I even bought one a lady drink, I'm going to lose my Cheap Charlie status, 555! Note, the LBs were nice but kinda stocky, not equal to the photos above. But a big gal could have your back in a bar fight, so it is what it is

I usually refer to Thai LBs as a girl in english or puying in Thai. I don't remember any adverse reaction by telling a Thai LB 'yes, I like ladyboy" but ya never know; they can be sensitive and unpredictable (ya ba?) Filipino LBs, in my experience, are less sensitive and will call themselves gay or bakla. I've asked several if "bakla" is derogatory, all have said no. But I knew them and they were comfortable talking to me. I wouldn't say that to a LB I didn't know. I've never had a bad reaction calling them a girl; however, to their credit, most will correct me and admit "I not lady." I do my best to act surprised, which they love and a great segway to a more intimate encounter. (we now "segway" instead of moving or progressing; also learn "hacks" instead of tips )

Until recently immigrants to the USA mostly wanted to forget the "old country" and move forward. A lady whose parents emigrated from Switzerland to the Pittsburg PA/ Wheeling WV steel mill areas told me her parents insisted on english being spoken at home. The native born referred to the mostly Eastern European immigrants as "hunkies", a derogatory term and the new commers worked hard to integrate. Nothing "romantic" about being from europe and working in dangerous, low paying steel mill and coal mining jobs in the 1920s. Immigrants from the UK arrived very early in the then American colonies, often as indentured servants or transported criminals. After we freed our selves from British rule, Australia became the UK's criminal depository I've traced my family history to the 1600's; both side emigrated from England. But I never heard any family members identify as any thing other than American. I suspect the US census category of "American" is comprised of UK descendants, with the majority from England and Northern Ireland.

Agreed. In my October 2022 experience most LBs and GGs will go ST for 1k. It does depend on the LB/ GG, how much she likes you and how well you get along. The really hot, young LBs/GGs can get more, but, personally, the premium they demand is not worth it to me. I could care less about being the guy with a trophy, I just want a good time in bed.

Back in the day, I used to drink cheap draft beer at WS go gos. My last visit to Pattaya, I never left the Soi Buakao hood, 555. Come to think of it, I haven't been to WS since around 2017; just couldn't see the point... Some cheap draft beer at some Soi LK Metro go gos too. A great place to quaff cheap large beers and watch the world go by is Katesiree on Buakao. Wifi and ice gratis

Agreed. I know it's possible to get a "permanent" visit from two guys on a motocy if you mess with the wrong people, but I reckon the biggest risk to most of us expats and visitors is electrocution or being run over by a drunk or self absorbed driver texting on their cell phone.

From what I gather, navigating Thai Immigration is becoming increasingly more difficult. I opened a Bangkok Bank account in Bangkok in 2003 on a tourist visa, then converted that to a 90 day O, then to Extension of stay for Retirement. No problem opening the bank account but the teller refused to give me online access, she was just making up the rules, so I wrote the president of Bangkok Bank a letter, yeah, snail mail, and actually received a reply, advising me of course I could have online access, just return to the branch I opened the account and present this letter, which I did. Guess who I spoke with? Yeah the same nice lady that originally declined online access; she was batting her eyes and telling every one who would listen that farang had a letter allowing online access. Several managers ignored her then one said "Just do it!" in Thai. She kept the letter, 555. As PD advised, keep trying, Thai bureaucracy is remarkably inconsistent, so it's a number game. I've also done the Thai DL myself, bought and sold motorcycles and it wasn't a problem, just the time to jump through the hoops. I've had two bank accounts and two Retirement visas, now all expired and might just try for a third One thing that even a Visa Agent can't resolve is the relatively low interest rates offered now at Thai banks. I suppose one could "rent" the money from an agent. I reckon having 800k on deposit would cost me around $875 usd in lost interesting compared with a US bank.

That is a huge spread! Here in Guadalajara, Mexico I exchanged $100 USD and received P18.40. The sell rate is P19.60. I will use an ATM the next time and avoid the poor cash rate.