Gaybutton

Before we get into a debate about how steep the hill is or how much of a trek it is if you have to walk up and down, then what I would do is either chance it and hope you'll like it or book another hotel instead. Then, on your first trip to Pattaya, go there and try it for yourself. If you like it you can always book it for your next trip. All I can tell you is I agree with Gay Grampa. Based on its location and that hill, it would not be my choice as the place to stay during a first trip to Pattaya unless you intend to rent a motorcycle or car.

No, I'm not kidding. To you it's a gentle slope. To me it's steep. Either way, 200 to 300 yards from the main road is not exactly close by. If you don't mind that, wonderful. Have you stayed there before? If yes, please tell us about it. I've never even been in any of the rooms, so I know nothing about it.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Security Beefed up in Provinces PM, Cabinet Go on Tour Today, UDD Plans Rallies By: POST REPORTERS Police and soldiers in the provinces begin an unprecedented security operation today as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his ministers embark on a tour to showcase government policies and tame "red-shirt" dissent. Security in 36 provinces across the country is being reinforced to keep United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstrators at bay. UDD leaders claim to have mobilised "red-shirt" protests at the locations where the prime minister and cabinet ministers will be visiting. Today's focus will be on the central province of Lop Buri which Mr Abhisit will visit. More than 1,500 policemen and soldiers will be deployed to beef up security. A source said Police Region 1 commander Pol Lt-Gen Chalong Sonjai and Lop Buri provincial police chief Pol Maj-Gen Sathit Tonsa-nguan yesterday called a meeting with senior officers to discuss increased security for Mr Abhisit. A large number of riot police will be mobilised to counter protests by the red-shirt demonstrators, said the source. National police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon has ordered police commanders of all provinces to maintain law and order during the cabinet tour. Early this week, the government announced that all cabinet members would visit 76 provinces over the next two weeks to listen to people's problems, particularly regarding the economy, and to follow up on policy execution. However, the move is seen as a bid to counter Thaksin Shinawatra's planned phone-ins to rallies of his supporters which kick off tomorrow in Khon Kaen. The opposition Puea Thai party regards the tour as an attempt to sway votes ahead of the next election. Maj Yongyos Khongcharoen, a former military officer and leading member of the UDD protesters in Lop Buri, said Mr Abhisit would be greeted by up to 500 UDD supporters at each location. He insisted his group would not break the law and would neither throw rotten eggs nor resort to violence. The prime minister yesterday shrugged off the planned protests, insisting he would be coming in peace to listen to the people's problems. Mr Abhisit dismissed criticism that the cabinet tour programme was to "check up on" state officials who may have sided with Thaksin. "The visits are aimed at creating better understanding among the public as the government has issued new measures and policies during the past two months. "It is necessary to get feedback directly so that the government can adjust its policy implementation according to their needs," said the prime minister. He insisted it was his policy that he and his 35 cabinet ministers get a first-hand look at the problems. He denied any knowledge of the massive deployment of security officers, saying the matter was decided by agencies responsible for security operations. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said he was not worried about the protesters, but said they would be arrested if they threw things at ministers. Cabinet visits are also planned in the UDD stronghold of Chiang Mai, where Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan is scheduled to appear. UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan confirmed Thaksin would call in to address the demonstrators at about 7pm, to touch on economic hardship and social problems affecting grassroots people. Veera Musikhapong, host of the session, said tomorrow's rally in Khon Kaen would be free of violence. He said the government should not be surprised if UDD protests sprang up across the country, even in the Democrat party stronghold in the South. ______________________________ I had plans to do some traveling by car within the next couple of weeks. Now I'm putting my plans on hold. I really don't want to find myself having to go through police checkpoints every two minutes or encounter protests and riot police along the way. For the time being, I'm going to stay put!

It has nothing to do with Thailand, but it gets definite "Honorable Mention" (or maybe that should be "Dishonorable Mention") on my "I Don't Get It" list. Whatever their reasons are, whoever came up with and approved this idea must think stupidity is a virtue. I wonder if the toilets near the gates at airports Ryan Air services are also being converted to pay toilets. Maybe it would be a good idea to buy a supply of adult diapers prior to a Ryan Air flight. The customs officials will have a heart attack if they decide to strip search me! All I know is if I found myself on a flight on which you actually had to pay to use a toilet, then I'd ask a cabin steward for a large empty cup. Later I'd give it back and point out the fact that now the cup is full! The barf bags might get a little extra use too, unless of course you also have to give Ryan Air a few coins for those . . . Some people asked how people carrying only foreign coins can use the toilet. Maybe they sell tokens before you board the aircraft. Maybe, for a price, they give you the magic incantation for the day. You stand in front of the toilet door and recite the incantation. "Om maggi haggi baggi nooga." And now the toilet door opens.

That's your opinion. I thought the movie was excellent and I also thought Sean Penn was excellent and was truly deserving of his Oscar win. I have no idea, but apparently it's someone who has some sort of control over what will or will not be shown in every movie theater in Pattaya. I'm also surprised that in all of Bangkok only these few Apex theaters will be running any of these movies. Maybe whoever makes these decisions has concluded that Thai people simply won't be interested in these films. Who knows? It's just one more item on my "I Don't Get It" list. The consolation is that the DVD vendors have all of these movies and the DVDs are high quality. Maybe you can't see them at a movie theater, but at least you can see them at all.

Well don't keep us in suspense. How as the Johnnie Walker Blue? Is it really that much better than Johnnie Walker Red?

I'm not sure what you mean by "reality." Reality in terms of what? That's quite a broad question. Regarding the Malaysia Hotel, some people love it and some people wouldn't stay there even if it was free, so you can expect mixed reviews. Personally, the Malaysia Hotel has become my first choice when I stay in Bangkok. The rooms are a little run down and could do with renovation, but I'm perfectly happy. When I book a hotel I have absolutely no interest at all in luxury while other people insist on it. For me, all I give a damn about is that the room is clean, has a decent bed, has air conditioning, TV, and a hot shower. The Malaysia has all of those. Right down the street from the Malaysia Hotel is the Pinnacle Hotel, and the rooms are much nicer, but even booking through Jimmy the rooms are twice the price as the Malaysia. I'd rather spend my money on other things. To me, some of the advantages of the Malaysia include its gay friendliness, the hospitality of the hotel staff, the ease of getting there if you drive a car, the fact that it has a 24 hour restaurant, the fact that available boys almost always hang out there, the fact that there's a good massage on the premises, it's within easy walking distance of some very good restaurants, there are several ATMs and a 7-Eleven right outside the hotel, it's within easy walking distance to the Babylon Sauna, and easy walking distance to the nearest MRT subway station. Getting to the most popular Bangkok gay venues in the Silom-Surawaong-Patpong area is a ten minute, 35 baht taxi ride. Regarding the Sansuk in Pattaya, obviously it's a perfect location if you intend to frequent the Sansuk Sauna. I've never seen the rooms, so someone else will have to review them. The location is about halfway between the city and the beach. You have to go up and down a long, steep hill to get to the Sansuk, but I understand they do provide transportation up and down the hill to where you can catch a baht bus or motorcycle taxi to take you to town or to the beach-Jomtien Complex area. No matter where you go, you'll probably go by taxi because the location is a distance from most places you will probably want to go. Again, it's a matter of personal taste. If it were me, I would choose not to stay there simply because of the location. It's a lot easier to go to the sauna from wherever you may be than to be staying there and finding it inconvenient to get to anyplace else. That's just my own opinion.

Better get moving, then. I've got a pair of scissors with your name on it . . . . . .

The following is an excerpt from a weekly newsletter I receive: _____ In Limbo Here’s the current status on some other Oscar contenders of note which were scheduled at one time for Pattaya, then withdrawn. I think it would be nice if they all showed up here eventually, but it looks as though we’ll have to fight to get them. And given the dreadful reception of Revolutionary Road here, it doesn’t seem to make much sense from the point of view of the movie chains. Except possibly for Slumdog Millionaire. * Milk: US, Biography, Drama – 128 mins – The assassination of Harvey Milk, with Sean Penn, who won the acting Oscar. Nominated for Oscar best picture and best director – eight nominations total. A second Oscar was won for best writing for a screenplay written directly for the screen, given to Dustin Lance Black. The story of California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk, a San Francisco supervisor who was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone by San Francisco Supervisor Dan White. Directed by Gus Van Sant. Rotten Tomatoes: Anchored by Sean Penn's powerhouse performance, Milk is a triumphant account of America's first openly gay man elected to public office. Rated R in the US for language, some sexual content and brief violence. Reviews: Universal acclaim: 84/83 out of 100. Was scheduled for Feb. 26 here, but now not in the planning for Pattaya; playing now at the Apex Lido and three other cinemas in Bangkok. * Slumdog Millionaire: US/UK, Crime/ Drama/ Romance – 120 mins – Improbably (a third of the movie is in Hindi, after all), this film won Oscar best picture and best director – and awards for adapted screenplay, original score, film editing, original song, sound mixing, and cinematography. At the present time not to be shown in Pattaya; now playing at only one cinema in the whole of Thailand: the Apex Scala at Siam Square in Bangkok. A brief and wholly inadequate summary of the plot: The life of an impoverished Indian teen who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?” wins, and is then suspected of cheating. Trailer available here, just click. Roger Ebert: This is a breathless, exciting story, heartbreaking and exhilarating at the same time, about a Mumbai orphan who rises from rags to riches on the strength of his lively intelligence. It tells the story of an orphan from the slums of Mumbai who is born into a brutal existence. A petty thief, impostor and survivor, mired in dire poverty, he improvises his way up through the world and remembers everything he has learned. High-spirited and defiant in the worst of times, he survives. He scrapes out a living at the Taj Mahal, which he did not know about but discovers by being thrown off a train. He pretends to be a guide, invents "facts" out of thin air, advises tourists to remove their shoes and then steals them. . . . The film uses dazzling cinematography, breathless editing, driving music, and headlong momentum to explode with narrative force, stirring in a romance at the same time. For Danny Boyle, it is a personal triumph. Directed by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting (1996), The Beach (2000), 28 Days Later (2002), Millions (2004), Sunshine (2007)). Rated R in the US for some violence, disturbing images, and language. Reviews: Universal acclaim: 86/83 out of 100. * The Wrestler: US Drama/ Sport – 115 mins – Mickey Rourke whose portrayal of an over-the-hill athlete has already won him a wheelbarrow full of accolades, including a Golden Globe, received a best-actor Oscar nomination. I think it’s quite a wonderful performance of a loser of a professional wrestler – Randy the Ram – that you wouldn’t ordinarily care about. But you end up caring about this man considerably. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. Rated R in the US for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use. Will have to be heavily censored for release here, I think. Reviews: Universal acclaim: 81/81 out of 100. Was once on the schedule for Pattaya, but has been withdrawn; now playing only in Bangkok, at the Apex Lido and two other cinemas. * Doubt: US, Drama/ Mystery – 104 mins – With pathologically severe nun Meryl Streep, as a hatchet-faced authoritarian who sows doubt about the relationship of a priest and a boy. The priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) denies the innuendoes, and much of the film’s quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality, and authority in a battle of wills between the two. The film held me captivated; I think it a dizzying and dazzling display of dramatic fireworks, and you should end up with a variety of doubts. Nominated for 5 Oscars (no wins), 5 Golden Globes, and 3 BAFTA awards, including best actress. Directed by John Patrick Shanley, and adapted by him from his play which won several awards for outstanding dramatic play including the 2005 Pulitzer Prize, the 2004-2005 Drama Desk Award and the 2005 Tony Award. Generally favorable reviews: 70/70 out of 100. Not now on the schedule for Pattaya; it’s in Bangkok, and at only one cinema, the Apex Lido. * The Reader – US/ Germany, Drama/ Romance – 124 mins – Directed by Stephen Daldry. Kate Winslet won her Golden Globes award #2 for best supporting actress for her role in this film, and won the Oscar for best actress. Fine fine film! I recommend it. No one expected The Reader to get a best picture nod, along with nominations for director Stephen Daldry, actress Kate Winslet, screenwriter David Hare and cinematographers Chris Menges and Roger Deakins. David Hare, who was nominated for adapting the screenplay for The Reader from the novel, noted that it’s about "an unrepentant Nazi war criminal having an affair with an underage boy. It puts a lot of people off. . . “. Not now on the schedule for Pattaya; it’s in Bangkok, and at only one cinema, the Apex Lido.

My guess is that Thai logic has them thinking precisely the opposite. They probably think that tourists who come during high season would come anyway. They must be thinking that saving a few bucks on visas will attract more people to come during low season. It makes no sense to me, but try as I might, I can't come up with any other reason for it.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Thai-Lao Train Service Launched By: NAOWARAT SUKSAMRAN NONG KHAI: Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn stepped aboard the train yesterday to become the first passenger on the rail service linking Thailand and Laos. The Princess rang the departure bell at Nong Khai station at 9.30am and the train pulled out to begin its maiden journey across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong river, arriving at Thanaleng in Laos at 10am. The Princess was joined on the journey by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, cabinet ministers and senior State Railway of Thailand staff. Lao Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit and Public Works and Transport Minister Sommad Pholsena greeted the Princess at Nong Khai and joined her on the train. About 10,000 Thais and Lao witnessed the launch of the service. The 3.5km line is the first phase of a rail link between the two countries. The Thai government has given Laos a soft loan and a 197-million-baht grant to build the railway from the middle of the bridge, joining the track on the Thai side which has been in place since 1994, to Thanaleng. Construction began in October 2006 and was completed in April last year. Porn Suriyawong, 79, a Thai-Lao who settled in Nong Khai and donated five rai for the rail link project, said she was delighted to see the Princess and to join her on the rail trip. "From now on, we will have a new transport route which is more convenient," she said. "I'm glad the rail link facilitates the transport of Thai and Lao people. It will help people from the two neighbouring countries get closer." She recalled that when she was about 14 years old, she and her vendor friends ferried goods from Thailand across the Mekong by boat to sell them in Laos. They had to hawk the goods all day in order to sell everything. At night, they stayed with relatives in Laos before taking a boat back to Thailand the following day. "Our trips took time in the past as there was no public transport. "There were only ferry boats. Since the Friendship Bridge was built, life is more comfortable as vehicles cross the border. Now, we have train services," Mrs Porn said. Thongkaew Piewbang, 62, a native of Nong Khai, said she woke up at 6am to welcome the Princess and buy train tickets for her and her husband to take the first train to Laos. "We have been waiting a long time for this train service. We wanted to ride this train to join the others on its maiden voyage," said Mrs Thongkaew, one of many passengers who formed a long queue to buy rail tickets. A 9km link is to be built from Thanaleng to Vientiane. The fare on an air-conditioned passenger train is 50 baht per trip, 30 baht on a second-class train and 20 baht for a third-class seat. Passengers wanting to cross the border to Laos must show a border pass or passport to officials. Princess Sirindhorn today will preside over a stone-laying ceremony for the third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge linking the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom with Laos's Thakhek. EARLIER REPORT The first railway line connecting Thailand and Laos was officially opened on Thursday, aiming to boost tourism and trade. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony of the 3.5km track connecting Nong Khai Province and Thanaleng station in Laos. After the ceremony, she boarded a Laos-bound service across the Mekong river as the first passenger. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Lao Deputy Prime Minister Boonyoung Worlajit also attended the ceremony. State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Yutthana Thapcharoen said about 500 passengers were expected to use the train each day once it begins regular passenger services. The train will make four round trips a day over the Mekong river. A third-class ticket will cost 20 baht and second-class 80 baht, he said. If citizens from either country do not have a passport to present for a visa, they will be able to ask checkpoint officials for a temporary border pass, he said. The SRT and Laos have agreed to extend the rail service from Thanaleng to Vientiane, 25km away, in the near future, the governor added. The railway was financed by Thailand with total funding of 197 million baht (about US$5.4 million). The second phase is expected to cost about one million baht. Laos imports consumer products and construction materials from Thailand while it exports agricultural products and timber to Thailand

Depending on where he wants to go and how often he wants to go, he might actually be better off either buying a used car or renting a car and hiring a driver. If it's going to be only a once in a while thing, then if you have any trouble finding someone, I would ask local motorcycle taxi drivers and ask staff members in some of the local hotels. If anyone would know, they would.

While I'm sure we can certainly concede that you're nuts, what you say is correct. Google has its system and Pattaya has its own.

The following appears in the PATTAYA DAILY NEWS: _____ TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION IN EFFECT FROM 5TH MARCH In a bid to promote tourism Thailand is removing the requirement of a tourist visa for all travelers for a period of three months starting from Thursday, 5th March 2009. The exemption was announced by Tharit Charungvat, Director-General of the Department of Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Usually, Thailand gives a Visa On Arrival to citizens of 20 countries for a period not exceeding 15 days, and a visa-free stay for travelers from another 42 countries for up to 30 days. The new ruling effectively waives the Tourist Visa On Arrival and visitors no longer have to apply for a tourist visa to Thailand at Thai consulates and embassies worldwide. However those wishing to stay for longer periods will have to apply for a visa before arriving in Thailand. This allows for a stay of up to 60 days and will be free of charge. All foreigners applying for a visa other than a tourist visa must still pay the regular price. On 3rd February the Thai government also approved a visa exemption scheme for transit passengers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Aimed specifically at the 1000 passengers a day who have to wait for up to 8 hours for connecting flights, the waiver will allow transit passengers to leave the airport for a short visit to the local area. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is personally involved in the efforts to revive tourism following the political unrest, and to offset the impact of the global financial crisis. The TAT is expecting tourist arrivals to reach 14 million in 2009, producing revenue of 505 billion Baht.

You'll probably find what you're looking for in the sauna itself. From what I hear, the best time to go is late afternoon to evening. Also, it's fairly easy to get to the Jomtien Complex from there. There are several gay bars there, including Two Faces, Question Mark, Hanne, Monty's, Rock Hard, and a couple massage places. Even many of the waiters in the Jomtien Complex restaurants are gay and willing. Give it a try. Of course, during the day there's usually several of that type who show up at the beach, hunting farang. Best time to try to find those types of boys at the beach is between about 1:30 and 3:30pm.

Nothing to be sorry about. I had a feeling you misunderstood.

I'm talking about a poster who writes the following: How does he know who is and is not a doctor or who has the qualifications to form a diagnosis? To me, that's being 'disagreeable.'

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Songkran Booze Ban 'Useless' Published: 4/03/2009 Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been asked to consider three options on the ban of sales of alcoholic drinks during next month's Songkran festival. Business operators question the practicality of such action with one saying it would be of no benefit in cutting the road toll. The Public Health Ministry and relevant agencies Wednesday held talks with suppliers and hoteliers on ways to control alcohol sales during Songkran and other long holidays. Delegates said excessive drinking was the main cause of a sharp rise in road accidents during those periods. Mr Abhisit, as chairman of the government's alcohol control committee, will be asked to decide whether to ban alcohol sales throughout the entire Songkran holiday period, for five days or for just three days. Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nop-amornbodi told a press conference Wednesday the ban should not apply to the start or the end of the holiday festival because road accidents usually peak between April 12 and 14, the middle of the Songkran festival. Mr Manit said apart from limiting the hours alcohol could be sold during long holidays, his ministry also planned to limit the places where alcohol sales could take place. Boon Rawd Brewery marketing manager Chutchai Wiratyosin said after the meeting that any restrictions on the hours and places alcohol could be sold would be useless. He said consumers could still go to shops where alcohol was sold and stock up before the start of the ban.

I hope you're right.

Congratulations. You've definitely convinced me. Now all you have to do is convince the powers-that-be.

The article is talking about widening Beach Road. That's the road along the beach that stretches from North Road (Pattaya Nua) to Walking Street. What Pattaya, in its infinite wisdom, is doing along Thappraya Road, the road that goes from the city to Jomtien Beach, is widening it, but also putting in a median strip. Meanwhile there are shops, restaurants, hotels, etc, on each side of the road along nearly the entire stretch. So, what do you think is going to happen? Cars trying to get from one side of the road to the other will no longer be able to simply make the turn. They'll have to find a place to make a U-turn. Unless someone knows something I don't, I see that causing major bottlenecks and traffic backups, worse than the situation already is.

Baht Likely to Weaken Further in Near Future: KRC BANGKOK, Mar 4 (TNA) – The baht is likely to weaken to around 37 to the US dollar in parallel with most currencies in the region, according to Kasikorn Research Center. The leading think tank said the baht had depreciated to a 2-year low of around 36.30 to the dollar this week in response to news reports that the Bank of Thailand (BoT) had intervened to stabilize the baht's value. The BoT’s move was made in harmony with those of other Asian central banks, which had attempted to rein in the volatility after many currencies in the region weakened to their lowest point in many years. In the near future, KRC said, the baht is projected to fall to around 36.5-37 to the dollar while the greenback is likely to strengthen against other currencies. More noticeably, the weakening of baht this year is absolutely different from that in 1997 as the currency depreciation does not result from the weakness of Thailand’s economic fundamentals, which are currently much stronger than in 1997 when the economic crisis erupted. The balance of payments and the current account balance are likely to record a surplus for this year. At the same time, Thailand’s foreign debts remain low, and international reserves exceed $100 billion. (TNA)

Unfortunately it doesn't work that way for everybody. The service I've received there has always been excellent, but I have not always been so fortunate with the competence of the doctors. Many of the doctors are not staff doctors. They have private practices and also maintain office space at the hospital. My chief complaint about this hospital is the cost. It is much more expensive to go there than any other local hospital. Also, some of the treatment that was recommended to me was unnecessary. The dental clinic is a good example. The dental clinic is excellent. Meanwhile, the local clinic I go to is staffed by several of the same dentists who also work at Bangkok-Pattaya. Their facilities are just as good as what you'll find at Bangkok-Pattaya, but the price is a fraction of what I have paid for precisely the same treatment at Bangkok-Pattaya, and their service is just as good as Bangkok-Pattaya. In my case, because of some of the unnecessary tests, the cost, personal experiences, and mixed reviews from people, I choose to go to Bangkok-Pattaya only in case of an emergency, and that's only because it's the closest hospital to where I live. If you're satisfied with the care and treatment you've received there and are willing to pay their price, that's your choice. My choice, if it's not an emergency that requires me to get to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible, is to start with either Memorial Hospital or Queen Sirikit Hospital (in Sattahip), or Dr. Belen.

That's precisely why they'll never do it that way. I'll be surprised if they ever do anything at all, other than talk about it. If it goes as usual, they'll hire some fly-by-night contractor to do the work, and then there will come the inevitable excuses as to why it's taking so long. The work will stop for months on end and will resume right in the middle of high season. Of course, rather than solve problems, they're more likely to create a nightmare. Don't you love my positive attitude?

I'm very sorry to hear that. You're in the USA for a half hour and they steal your bike! I hope you get lucky and manage to get it back.