Up2u

Be very careful what you say or what you post. Use a vpn. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/452954/isps-ordered-to-censor-content

I opt for the super deluxe model with extra padding!

I paid a lot more money than that for my Cannondale in California and that was 10 years ago.

I use Ambian for jetlag but have never bought it or even tried to buy it in Thailand. Good news.

There are several Trek bicycle shops on Thepprasit Rd in Pattaya that are reasonably priced.

Yes, I now understand your concern. Use the Report option and send a PM to the Moderator.

Every year Pattaya has what's called an International Fireworks Competition with various countries being represented. It's a two day event and Beach Rd is packed.

I would think all posts are sent to his email account for review. If he is busy then perhaps he needs a helper to assist in the moderation. I think everyone plays by the rules here.

From TIME, martial law to continue, no elections till 2016. http://time.com/3608619/thailand-military-sommai-phasee-pongpat-chayapan/

Regards to martial law, there has been no impact on tourists or the lives of expats here, so enjoy your visit. The changes regarding nightlife you have been reading about cannot be directly attributed to martial law. If you have insurance you might want to check your policy if there are restrictions because you are visiting a country under martial law.

Spoken like a true sex tourist and there's nothing wrong with that.

What you missed was the OP's post #8 which mentioned the Marriott's in Pattaya holiday dinner surcharge which expanded the discussion.

Many years ago when staying at places like the Ambiance, Cafe Royal or later the Flamingo these New Year's Eve dinners were mandatory, required for me to complete my booking. Even a low end hotel like Welcome (opposite BT) had this policy.

River and khlong tours by boat, ice skating rink, tuk tuk rides, elephant treks in Phuket, Lumpini Park, Baiyoke Sky Tower, Bangkok Zoo, Erawan Shrine, muay Thai boxing.

I put in 12/23 to 1/06, and this is what I got, plus taxes and fees.

I went to their website put in some dates over the Christmas and New Year holiday period and there was no mention of any surcharge. The rate quoted was 3300 plus taxes and fees. Dec 30 the daily rate goes to 4000.

My point being the country is still under martial law (not by choice). A foreigner should exercise caution and I certainly wouldn't be using the 3-finger salute (just the one finger). Many countries travel policies have an exclusion on coverage in countries with martial law (Thailand). The Hunger Games was canceled in several theaters and Thais arrested, detained for using the salute upon viewing the movie. Arrests were made for passing out free tickets. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/444665/three-finger-fallout-continues http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0J417520141120?irpc=932

The local population can not say enough is enough, that is purpose of martial law. If you can see the Hunger Games in Thailand be careful how you use your fingers. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/21/world/asia/thailand-protesters-hunger-games-salute.html?referrer=

I have been at the beach this last week and the weather has been hot with no rain. Things have picked up considerably as I recognize regulars returning for their holiday. I would say about half the chairs were taken by early afternoon. Some of the sections were lucky and maybe a tree survived the butchering and provides some shade. Rit was lucky and has a shade tree but you should arrive early to get a chair under the tree. Niyom's section and Jims Place didn't fair so well. It's 1:00 and will be leaving shortly because of the heat. Still no boys or eye candy, I did see a few younger Russians.

It's been years since I was there but my friend had a deluxe room and others of us had the standard or basic rooms. I had no TV, and had to pay a charge to use the computer in the lobby. The boys were in the restaurant were a treat. The DD advertises itself as gay friendly and no charge for a guest, free wifi, tv. http://ddinn.wordpress.com/ Not sure if X the waiter is still there.

Very basic, if you like the Malaysia then you will probably be happy. Just about every business along the beach charges for their toilet including the public restrooms by the gay beach.

Sounds to me you have got a workable plan, good luck!

I don't want to belabor this point but I think it is only fair that prospective residents and guests no what is the security policy. I took this picture today by the security desk(beware the long tentacles of the FBI, 555)

Yes, you have your friend and I have mine. Since I don't want to dispense incorrect information I will go personally, visit and get the facts. Yensabai has just been renovated and yes the studios are small 32 sqm( I believe) but one can get a one bed room unit for about the same price as Mosaic, and Yensabai has a pool. Residence Garden was nice when it opened 12 years ago but my reports say it needs tlc now.

I don't know if you are parroting what was posted on another board but there has been no change in Yensabai Condo guest policy. The only official notice is posted behind the security desk that guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, parent, family member with a Thai ID. I have friends who live at Yensabai that bring boys under the age of 20 back to their rooms regularly (does last night count?). Yes, the hag, bitch, Dragon lady interferes with staff, security and residents have no kind words for her meddling but my friends bring guests under 20 during the day and evening hours. Boys must leave their Id's with security.