tm_nyc

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.

According to The Nation: Thananchai was later killed while allegedly resisting arrest.

That's the place. It's Gecko Nail Art & Massage, I think. It's a mixed (M/F) shop, very close to Pub Street so it is in a convenient, central location.

I think Roadhouse does an excellent pulled pork sandwich also. As for burgers, there's Mash on Convent Rd, not far from Silom Rd. Burgers are pretty much all they serve & I think they are very good. The place has a trendy 'industrial' decor & a big selection of beers on tap. Mash is situated between 2 open-front Thai joints so it's easy to miss.

I agree that you should be well rested & wide awake for the start of your Galapagos trip so, definitely, I would opt for the overnight in MIA. Have fun!

AirBNB has a 'Contact Host' option where it is possible to message the owner of a particular rental & ask questions. Better to know up front if the owner has a guest policy.

I stayed at the Birdcage back in November. It has a mixed M/F staff so is maybe 'gay-friendly', but all the staff were all very pleasant to deal with. I liked the location, my room was very comfortable & the garden/pool/restaurant is great.

Wow, a massage shop & a wine bar. That is very creative marketing! Thanks for posting the very interesting & detailed report.