jimmie50

In general, I have always steered clear of short layovers (anything less than 90 minutes). I have heard great things about Singapore Airlines and know they have an excellent reputation for safety and service. Since this was my first time to book a flight on SIA as well as going through Singapore, I was very nervous about the short layover based upon experiences with US airlines as well as knowing that the likelihood of our flight departing San Francisco on time was close to zero. Most international departures from SFO are at least 30 minutes later than scheduled time from my experience. Anyway, appreciate all of the advice and comments. With the extra time I will be able to explore the airport and will probably adjust my return to allow for a couple of days visiting Singapore.

https://www.facebook.com/people/TITAN-SILOM/61579967371633/ Address: ชั้น g สีลม พลาซ่า 491/31-32 Si Lom Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand https://www.instagram.com/titan.silom/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@titan.silom

The tour guide on my recent trip said that while English is mandatory in the public schools, what they teach is written English, not spoken English. If that is, in fact, the case, it should be the reverse. They should focus more on conversation.

There are just six of us (sister, brother-in-law, nephew 1 + wife, nephew 2, and myself) so we decided several years ago to do a secret Santa type thing. We draw names and only buy for that one person. It can be from a list the person has created or totally a surprise item. Maximum amount to spend is $100 USD. That works well for us. Only need to worry about that one person and it is a reasonable dollar amount. Nothing too extravagant. As I mentioned previously, I don't do Christmas cards anymore via mail. The few I do send are e-cards online through free services. Not something I subscribe to or pay for.

Just to clarify, I have not used Airbnb on my previous visits to Thailand because I have always been visiting friends. I would either stay with them at their home, or stay in one of their rental condo's around Sukhumvit. However, I have used Airbnb many other places internationally. My understanding in Thailand is that anything over 30 days is legal.

I have stopped sending Christmas cards in the mail. Gotten way too expensive between the cost of the cards and the postage. Much easier to send an e-card to close friends. I will get cards for immediate family which I give to them in person.

ok, so I did go ahead and book the flight with Singapore Airlines. I allowed for a 3 hour, 30 minute layover in Singapore for the connecting flight going to Bangkok, and a 4 hour layover on the return. That should allow for any delays, getting lost, etc. It was much cheaper for me to book round trip from SF or LA rather than trying to go from Denver. I will book a flight on United from Denver to SF and spend a few days in California visiting friends before continuing on to Bangkok. So excited to be going back to Bangkok so soon. A Christmas present to myself, and a fun way to avoid the harsh winter in Colorado.

On the filters you can include your preference for someone English speaking. I've also used Google Translate to communicate via messages on Airbnb and WhatsApp. Relatively easy with no difficulties. Once I have confirmed the booking on Airbnb with payment, exact address and contact information is provided for the owner. Usually, they have reached out to me introducing themselves, explaining anything out of the ordinary or unusual about the property as well as how to contact them with any issues or concerns. At that time they have mentioned they have someone they use to clean the apartment and would be happy to arrange that service during my stay. I usually accept that offer and pay the cleaning person directly when they are on the premises. The owner has helped to facilitate the day and time for such service.

Thanks for the great information. I am buying direct from Singapore Airlines a through ticket from San Francisco to Bangkok. Traveling business class. It is an 8:15pm departure out of SF arriving in Singapore at 5:45am, with the departure for Bangkok at 7:00am. The first connecting flight to Bangkok Singapore Airlines lists on their website is the one that only allows for one hour. I believe the next option is a four hour layover. Sounds as though that will be a better and safer option. I know that SA has an excellent reputation. I also know that SFO is notorious for late departures. Every flight I have ever taken out of there to anywhere in Asia has always been delayed by at least 30 minutes. SA estimates the flight at 17+ hours. Going through Taipei and Hong Kong are approximately 14 hours, so even though a long flight I think I can manage an additional 3+ hours.

I am planning a return trip to Thailand in February/March and will be staying 6-8 weeks. Decided Thailand was a great place to avoid the harsh winters in Colorado. It appears that Singapore Airlines has the best deals at the moment flying from San Francisco. It's a non-stop flight from SF to Singapore. Having never been to Singapore or flown on Singapore Airlines, I have several questions maybe some of you can answer. Is one hour enough time in Singapore to change planes? According to the airline website, the flight from SF arrives in one terminal and the flight to Bangkok departs a different terminal. What is a safe amount of time I should figure for layover in Singapore. I don't want to be there a long time, but also do not want to cut things too close and miss the connecting flight. Another question...would I need a visa if I am just changing planes in Singapore? If, on my return to the US I decided to spend a couple of days in Singapore, would I need a visa? THANKS!

That was my one complaint about Derby King. Too many mushrooms. Not a fan of mushrooms in general. Would have preferred bell peppers instead.

You are a brave soul. My one visit was enough for me to permanently cross them off the list for any future visits. Sorry...just a little too sleazy for my taste.

When looking for an Airbnb, you can set certain criteria. I would suggest you set it up so units with a washer/dryer combo are available in the unit. I always do that when I am traveling anywhere...US or international...and booking an Airbnb. On my recent trip to Bangkok, I used a service called WashDrop. You can find them online. If you end up renting a unit that doesn't have a washer or laundry in the building, I recommend this service. They will pick it up and return it within 24 hours. You can place the order online via their website. You will need to pay in advance with credit card before they return your order. The service was recommended to me by the front desk at Ibis Styles Silom. Also, if you decide to book through Airbnb, I have found most owners offer a cleaning service which includes clean sheets and towels anywhere from every 3 days up to once a week for an additional fee. I always take advantage of this service as well.

I was able to add money to a Rabbit card in one of the machines at Sala Daeng BTS with Baht. Didn't need a Thai bank account, credit or debit card. Just put in the amount of Baht I was wanting to add to the card. I think there was only one machine that allowed this, but still was quick and easy. That was on my recent trip in October. The Rabbit card was one that my Thai friends obtained for me to use on my visit in August 2024. It was still good in October 2025.

Mine would be very simple. I want a rainbow flag with the words 'unapologetically unique'.

This is probably a dumb question, but I see posts referring to high season all of the time. What is considered 'high season', and is it different in Pattaya than in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, etc.?

Some of the big box stores in the Denver area had Christmas stuff out before Halloween. Seems like it gets earlier and earlier every year. Growing up, we always decorated about one week before Christmas and took it all down on New Year's Day. Me and my sister's family all tend to stick with that schedule regarding Christmas lights and other decorations. However, we have been know to listen to Christmas music or watch a Christmas movie beginning with Thanksgiving. Kind of hard to completely avoid those things once Thanksgiving is here.

Yes, the FAA finally issued a similar Air Worthiness Directive, but long after EU and Airbus had both taken the necessary steps to require immediate action. I am sure the current political situation in the US played some role in the delayed announcement here. https://apnews.com/article/airbus-airlines-software-fix-flight-delays-a8caca9054ed3007560df90f8a6cd732?

According to the current occupant, regardless of what the constitution says he plans to run again in four years. Go figure. Just cannot make this stuff up.

I have a US Passport Card that I use for identification purposes when I travel internationally. They currently cost $30, plus a $35 processing fee if it is the first time getting the card. You get them from the Passport Office at the State Department...same as the passport book. I find it convenient as it fits in my wallet (size of a credit card) and contains all of the same information as the passport booklet minus the entry/exit stamps. I just photo copy the entry/exit page and carry that around in my bag. So far, I have had no issues or problems using the passport card. Super Rich accepted it in Thailand with no problem when exchanging currency. Hotels all accepted it on my recent tour of Northern Thailand, as did certain venues we visited that required ID.

I am not familiar with this area and until this post had never heard of it. However, from what little information has been provided I think the old saying 'better to be safe than be sorry' is appropriate here. Sounds too risky and unsafe to me.

I wonder if the Thai men who advertise on Rentmen are just copying the asking price of providers in the US hoping this will be their accepted fee (being optimistic) but understanding that it probably won't happen (being realistic). Don't know, since I have never used Rentmen.

So terrible. Cannot believe this is the second year in a row they have had to endure such horrible conditions. Devastating.

I don't go around wearing a sign, but I certainly don't hide it, either. When I was in a long term relationship and events were held socially for school staff that included partners/spouses, I would go and take my boyfriend. I spent the first 30 years of my life hiding and once I came out there was no going back in that closet. People either accept me for who I am or it's their problem, not mine.

What is the bar located under Hotmale? I stopped there for a drink before going to Hotmale as I was too early. I was the only customer at that time. Noticed several other bars, but wasn't sure if they were primarily gay bars, mixed clientele, or what the scene actually was. One had a pool table as I recall, but I don't remember seeing the sofa that has been mentioned. There was also some older Thai gentleman walking up and down the Soi in front of the bars rather aggressively trying to persuade people to go to one particular bar. I avoided that one because of him.