Up2u

Thanks for warning!

Love the pics! The downpour on Saturday was worse than today. Ruined the beach in Saturday afternoon. Luckily, I passed by Central Festival earlier before the rain started.

It's as most realtors in the world will tell you " location, location, location". In Pattaya, many of the housing developments are east of Sukumvit (with lower land costs) and a home's initial cost is a better value, in my opinion. Since owning a condo is the only legal way you can hold the title in your own name, the value of condo could be overstated in relation to a house. If Thai law changes, and foreigners are permitted to own land, then I suspect house prices will increase dramatically and condo prices (who knows?).

Returned to Ogaras and a friend opted for the pancakes and bacon, as shown. He enjoyed very much.

These stories about farangs and security issues with their homes is one important reason why I chose a condo. Every farang that I know, has had at one time home security concerns whether they lived in a gated community or not. In Chiang Mai years ago, a farang and his bf were threatened by armed burglars who had poisoned the guard dogs. I always wanted pets (dogs and cats) so I entertained the idea of a home. But I am a buyer not a renter, and refuse to pay money to a landlord and since I can not own property in my own name, a condo was an easy choice for me.

This place is called the Hyde and Seek Gastro Bar anf the website is: http://www.hydeandseek.com/ The burger gets a great review here: http://www.bangkokburgerblog.com/2011/05/05/hyde-seek-gastro-bar/

They tasted like sausages to me, not like the liitle mini-dogs that many places serve. They do not have an American breakfeast so I had to tolerate the beans.

Went to O'Garas and I can highly recommend the breakfeast too. I had the Irish breakfeast for 160 baht which includes toast , juice, tea or coffee. Large portions, very good food and definitely two thumbs up. We have not had dinner there recently but we always enjoyed the dinners there in the past. (Will try the pancakes next time.)

Yes, he joined for 25,000 baht I believe. They get a lot of tennis players too.

I think most posters here would be turned off by 38,000 thb yearly membership. I visited once a few years ago and not impressed. A friend has joined the Royal Cliff gym/sauna so you might check that out.

I hope you left a generous tip for the floor show. Seriously, the Boat caters to budget travelers and prides itself on serving one of the cheapest breakfasts in Pattaya. My scrambled eggs, excuse me one egg, was watered down. Food was served piece meal. Agree that their bakery is good. My rating: 2 (higher score because it can offer value if traveling on a budget)

No need to go to hospital unless you want a doctor to help interpret the results. I go here: http://lifecare.siam2web.com/ Near Laundry Express off 3rd Rd., not far from Sunee.

How true. I remember my first trip to Pattaya and my arrival at the Ambience during the day. What a dissappoint, especially after Bangkok. But at night, it was like a miracle, a complete transformation. The lights, glitz, Xmas decorations, poinsettias and the boys! Boys, Boys, Boys was really hoppin' with a 100 boys. The good old days.

As an American I think my tastes are similar to Michael's. If USA chains like Denny's, Carroll's, IHOP etc. can give you a decent breakfast at a fair price, why not here? I agree with the Grottino's rating. The Pig and Whistle is another story. This applies only to dinner at the Jomtien location. Large, generous portions of extremely bland food at rather inexpensive prices. Friends and I have been there on 3 different occasions. Rating: 2.5 This place has been scratched from our dining list. Looking forward to future "stops". (If in North Pattaya on Naa-gleua Rd., the Bon Cafe serves one of the better breakfasts for only 130 baht. Eggs (2), 2 slices of ham, 2 pieces of American bacon, sausage, toast, juice, coffee or tea. 130 baht.)

If you are in Jomtien, the Continental Bakery opens at 5:30 am. Kotta 2 and Linda's also open early, 7:30-8:00 I believe.

There is a long thread on Thaivisa about the California WOW saga. They filed for bankruptcy and tried to reorganize but sorry to say it does not look promising for you. I use Fairtex.

The Rainbow is opposite the White House and Samboon's restaurant which is just before the Rabbit Resort. They usually fly the gay flag and have a very small sign that says "Free wifi". It's a 2-3 minute walk from Rit's.

Na, the Rainbow owner, has had Wifi for a few weeks now. I have used a friend's Ipad and done Skype and Google calls with no problems. He likes the speed. I visited friends about week ago at the yellow chairs (#14) next to Rit's where I used to sit years ago. The Rainbow offers more spacing between the rows, pillows, will keep your towel and launder it for you, and now free Wifi!!

The OP should go to http://www.ladyboyspattaya.com/ . There he can view these ladyboys in all their glory.

Remember, he is not yet 50 so retirement visa is not possible. He wants to live in Pattaya so a course at Ramkamhaeng Univ. (Bangkok) doesn't sound practical.

I just bought a Japanese mutual fund and a few years back I bought a condo here in Pattaya. I guess that qualifies as moving assets offshore.

Please don't take my comments out of context. Many of my first visits to Thailand were on budget so I understand the importance of a budget, being frugal and trying to economize. So, what is your budget? We can tell you if you are being realistic or things you may have forgotten or ways to save money.

Steve, The Thai government like most countries welcomes the tourist $ and actively promotes tourism. They also welcome retirees with sufficient funds. They are not looking for tourists with a back-packer mentality (or budget). There are many stories of foreigners who have over-stayed their visit, spent their money and can't even buy a plane ticket. I would say if you don't have the financial resources you should probably stay home (UK) or perhaps find a job (with work permit) to help with your expenses if you try to stay for a long time.

Every society has it's deadbeats and those that try to abuse the system. American's SSA payments are indexed no matter where we live. However, one could make an argument that when we are not living in our home country we should not benefit from an index that is based on our home country's inflation. My SSA will be direct deposited to my U.S. bank account. How the UK government know you living outside the country and index accordingly? Do you think those with a vested interest, the AMA (American Medical Association or UK equivalent), the national hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are going to subsidize or permit out-sourcing of medical services (even if there is a benefit to the system and the taxpayer or the medical beneficiary)? They are simply too powerful.