tm_nyc

Really good questions! Back in March, I got sick w/food poisoning at the end of my trip & ended up overstaying on my METV by 5 days. When I departed at BKK, I was directed by the Immigration officer to the overstay desk where I paid a fine in cash ($50 US) & was allowed to go on my way. What would happen with the automated system? Would the software pick it up?

Shamelessmack posted a number of detailed reports on his experiences in Bali in 2023: https://shamelessmacktwo.travel.blog/category/bali/

Yes, the shops, like Maha, where the boys cannot or choose to not sit outside are really at a disadvantage. Also glad to hear that Soi 6 is busy.

I also stayed at the Royal Crown Hotel on the recommendation of @vinapu & liked it a lot. It's close to everything in the center but a bit removed from the Pub Street scene which I don't particularly care for.

Thanks, @macaroni21, for the lucid, fact-based comments! There is one additional variable regarding travel between Europe & China & that is travel which originates in China. My understanding is that overseas travel out of China has not rebounded to its pre-Covid levels so that would also be an incentive for airlines to cut back. What I get from the original post is that airlines seem less willing to compete with one another on less profitable routes just to get 'market share'. Now they are trying to fly where they can make the most money. Not great news for those of us traveling from Europe or North America but here we are!

Agree. BKK has a great energy level which I really like. I regard Jomtien & CM as taking a break from that.

What about the Thai Blind Massage next to M Bar (between The Agate & Zing). Any reports?

My impression is that China is already a largely cashless economy & tourists cannot necessarily use non-Chinese credit cards or cash when travelling there. I have not been to China but maybe someone who has can comment.

Malaysia now has a Digital Arrival Card which 'must be completed within 3 days of arrival'.

It is possible to purchase half-fare tokens at the MRT ticket booths as well. I don't ride the MRT often but good to know about the cards.

The Rabbit Card works on the BTS Skytrain as well as the Pink & Yellow MRT Lines. When I purchased my Rabbit Card 2 years ago, it was necessary to show my passport, copies not accepted.

And then there's the taxi mafia to deal with, getting to & from Phuket airport.

US Social Security monthly payments vary widely &, yes, I think that the average is $1,800-$1,900 per month. What determines a person's payment depends on how much one earns & for how long. I believe there's only a small percentage (6%?) of retiring workers who are eligible to collect the maximum benefit numbers which @unicornquotes.

Their Facebook page seems to be working: https://www.facebook.com/v1hostclubcnx/?_rdr

This definitely proves that the Thai Minister of Public Health needs to get out more. Maybe a 4-hand foam massage on Suk Soi 2 would alter his perception of the problem.

Very interesting, thanks! Was your hotel located in the center (where you could walk) or outside the town? I know that there are a number of big beach-front hotels outside the center, on the road to Hoi An. They all look very inviting but my preference is for someplace more walkable.

I agree. I don't think that threatening customers for posting complaints on social media is a great business strategy.

I always get that message if I use the MS Edge browser. So, I use Google Chrome instead & have no problems.

Definitely! But the Thai baht is weak at the moment (against the USD & Euro at least) so that offsets the higher prices somewhat.

Yes. You must show the printed copy to VN Immigration when you arrive & again when you leave the country.

Agree with the positive comments about LeSiam. Convent Road has loads of high-end, low-end & in-between restaurant options too.

Yes, post-Covid prices in Thailand have risen like everywhere else. However, at the moment, the Thai baht exchange rate is down against the US dollar & the Euro, if that helps at all.

Could be a combination of lawyer bullshit & union bullshit.

Lumpini is a very pleasant place to walk but I have not see much cruising. It's really not my scene but the loos in Silom Complex (esp on Floor 2) appear to have some cruising action.

Agree. Both KL & Penang are good options: flights are cheap & no visa to hassle with. Penang is perfect for a long weekend.