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I don't think I tipped beyond the quoted price

I agree that a car is probably more trouble than it's worth. Now that the main tourist sights are more accessible by public transport I think that's a better option. My tour guide friend is living in Saraburi now but he does travel to Bangkok to do tours sometimes. I can see if he's interested

I think it's all been said already, but I really like Singapore except for the humidity. It is the most humid place I have ever spent time - and I went to 4 years of university in Florida. The people there are gorgeous. It's a real melting pot of Chinese, Malay, South Asian, European... Spending a few days there is worth doing.

it's all very sad. I didn't realize that Hat Yai is below sea level. Large parts of Sri Lanka under water at the moment too and Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines with major floods too

I have a nice leather cover for mine. Carry it everywhere. I have travel pants with a zippered pocket inside the front pocket that it fits in perfectly.

the ants details is disturbing. Well, and the drugs. Interesting that they were caught on camera somehow

I didn't know there was a Voco hotel there now. I stayed at one in Japan and liked it very much. Super A still exists?

I definitely look for UPF 50+ clothes to wear when I will be out in the sun for an extended period

I think most people don't use the amount that you're supposed to either. Or reapply as frequently as necessary

this seems to be an evergreen topic of discussion

If you're interested in Thai Politics this Thai academic based in the US has a good newsletter explaining what's going on from his point of view https://www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutin-is-almost-prime-minister-can?r=nsi9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

I did the day trip including a stop at Bang Pa In many years ago. I think if I were to go back I would take a bit more time. The boat trip back sounds really nice.

I always use SP Limousine to get to/from the airport. Nice cars, fairly easy to find in the airport. I get a small discount as a repeat client. Basic rate for a regular midsize car like a Camry is TBT 1150 There are a variety of eSIM providers out there. But I think most of them are data only. I have used Flexiroam many times. Good customer service. They have regional, country-specific, and worldwide plans. Airalo is pretty well reviewed but I have no experience with them. They seem to have much cheaper plans

Sadly BTS and MRT still don't have an integrated payment system. MRT is largely underground on the original blue line but there are many aboveground stations and lines now, especially away from the downtown core. I just use my contactless credit card (US-based Chase Visa) for the MRT as it's the most convenient option. Queues for the ticket machine or booth can get quite long at busy times otherwise. If you have a compatible credit card you just walk up to the fare gate and and touch the target on the way in and use the same card at the exit gate.

I agree that staying in Silom area is a good idea. Transferring to your other hotel is pretty straightforward either by BTS/MRT or taxi/Grab. I haven't been to CM in quite a while so I don't have much input there. But it appears there are a decent amount of massage places and a couple of host bars. I follow user ShunJou on Twitter/X who reviews massage places mostly in BKK but he also goes to CM fairly frequently