JimmyJoe

My sentiment exactly. I frequently stay at the Amara and like it very much. No one has ever even hinted disapproval regarding my, ahem, numerous guests.

That's not been my experience during my current stay in Pattaya.

The usual expressions in straight bar girl culture are ST, LT and LLT. Having a Thai bar "girlfriend" experience becomes LLLT.

What is the difference? How is it viewed in Thai culture? Kissing is fairly important to me during an encounter with a boy, so I'm interested in understanding.

I agree. This is also the route I fly. The AF hard product to Bangkok is often dreadful. Whereas most of their aircraft now flying the transatlantic route, to the US, are excellent. That's a recent, vast improvement. The AF, business class, soft product (service) I always find outstanding, either direction, Paris Bangkok or Paris US. Especially compared to the business "service" to be found on the US carriers, in my experience.

I had heard they were straight, but hadn't heard they aren't offable. That's disappointing. Why are they there then? Just as eye candy? I don't get it. I guess I'll not go there during my upcoming trip.

I believe I'm quoting the correct rate. It's also on their website. I might have been unclear. My quote is from BKK (Swampy airport) to Jomtien. The 1300 B you mention, I believe is from downtown Bangkok (Surawong) to Jomtien. Which means we're both right. And, as you say, the important thing is it's an excellent and safe car service.

I agree. NamsTaxi is excellent and they've even reduced prices a bit, apparently. I just booked them from BKK to Jomtien for 1000 Baht (small sedan). https://www.namstaxiladydrivers.com/

Yes, it was Dui. He’s definitely got what it takes... and he’s talkative and friendly. I can see why he’s top of your list.

Recently, one of them even told me as much. I asked how many times he cums in one day. He said average 3 times at NB and 2 times with girlfriend. Odds are good, you're right to be worried, assuming he's telling the truth.

+1

I’ve stayed at both and like them both, for different reasons. But, for the same price, my choice would most definitely be for Amara. More upscale, especially friendly and efficient front desk staff, excellent bedding, rooftop pool, executive floor lounge for afternoon drinks and breakfast (currently closed, I think). I always stay on a high floor on the side with view of the Mahanakhon tower. That’s the one thing I dislike about the Raya, not only no view but the windows are tiny. Once they put me in a room 1 floor beneath reception and it was quite dreadful. I think it was under a steam room or something. Quite dark and dank. All other times I was on an upper floor, that was ok.

Where is Paradise Spa? I'd be interested in your experience there. Always interested in Pattaya massage shops.

Add my vote for Nam's, too. They are excellent, safe, female, drivers. I've used them also about 6 times. Their prices are competitive.

Recently, I got my pre-flight rapid test at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya Email: inquiry@bph.co.th http://www.bangkokpattayahospital.com I think there are also options at BKK airport. But I don't know the specifics.

Haha. So true.

I had the same unfortunate experience with Finnair. I used to fly with them to Bangkok in business. They've now begun charging extra for seat assignment, lounge access and any luggage in the hold. That makes for a significant price increase, well above what I've always paid for the same service from them. I'm looking elsewhere, but I fear this might be the new trend.

I was there about two years ago and found some excellent boys, very ready and willing, from a couple of the regular massage shops that had boys and girls sitting outside. Right in the middle of the main tourist, pub zone. Can’t remember the name off the street, but a main drag in Siem Reap. They were available both onsite and off. What I would worry about is now, if it’s become a ghost town, I wonder if many of the massage shops would even be there anymore. On the other hand, considering the dire poverty in many parts of Cambodia today, talent might well flood back into town, given the opportunity. But it's such a small town, I could hardly imagine spending more than a few days visiting temples and enjoying the boys, though. I'm afraid we've veered off topic. I expect a smack down from a disapproving member.

Interesting. Which bank in France supports cardless withdrawal?

Oh.

Well that certainly doesn’t sound good. Complete transparency was the whole reason I began doing business with Transferwise in the first place. If DeeMoney is just a marketing ploy it seems like a Thai bank might be a better bet. I wonder if a Transferwise mult- currency account would be helpful to transfer from Baht to another currency. One other thing I wonder about is, if one day I do need to transfer money out of Thailand, how much of a hassle are currency controls. I mean, I think they require you prove the money wasn’t “ill-gotten“ in Thailand. How can I prove the (foreign) provenance of the Thai funds if I originally brought the money into the country via Transferwise which shows up at Krungsri as domestic transfer...

A friend of mine uses this outfit. It seems to be similar to Wise (which I use a lot to send money to my Thai bank), but for transfers from Thailand. I haven't used them, though. https://www.deemoney.com/send-money-from-thailand-to-france/

thanks for the explanation about number of posts

Thanks for the great list and the additions.

I agree