kokopelli

Yes, have lent money to bar boys and No, it was not paid back. But I did not expect it back otherwise I would not have "lent" it to them in the first place.

May I ask the nature of the clients at this bar? Is it for farang or for Thai? And is it well attended? I have been to only one ladyboy bar in Pattaya and that was Famous which was the first and last time. Just curious. And where is it on Soi Buakow?

A friend just recently came down with dengue fever when in Pattaya. It did put a crimp in his vacation.

I know a Thai friend from Photharam who has asked that I visit and thus was also interested in what accommodations might be available to the gay traveler.

Actually you can renew your passport whenever you want, even years in advance if that is your wish.

During the past week gold dropped by $100 USD but seems to be rebounding. Wait and see.

Unfortunately Koko has poor judgement! I first bought gold in the 70s at $190 USD/oz and sold at less then $300. Within one year the price went up to about $1000! Only advice I have is to buy when down and hold onto it.

Well, Maybe like me, when they are gone I will be phased out also!

I have invested in US gold coins over the past 30 + years and never lost money. Sometimes broke even, sometimes made money. The market is volatile! If price decreases significantly then a good idea to buy. My fav is US $50 gold coins rather then older numismatic $20 Libertys and Eagles. My last investment was at $500/oz and now the price is up to about $1300/1400/ oz. Do I sell or hold? Don't know, but likely will hold. One nice thing is that there is no tax on your gain when selling. At least there is no reporting with the dealer I buy/sell with.

Hmmm, now that is a stretch of positive spin! Next time I will have to remember that when caught up in traffic.

Give me a 747 or give me death! For me the best of the best.

My own feeling is that the established posters, with all their experience and wisdom, should exercise a little restraint from posting on new topics until the newer posters get a chance to express themselves. Kind of like letting the second string players get a chance to show their stuff before sending in the heavyweights.

All major international entry airports in the USA. There would not likely be kiosks in smaller airports that would have arrivals from Canada or perhaps close by island nations.

You may want to enroll in the GOES (Global Entry) program which allows you to skip the line at Immigration on arrival in the USA by scanning your passport and fingerprints at a kiosk. Cost is $100/5 years. Can enroll on-line but have to go to a major airport to finalize the enrollment with photo and fingerprints which takes max of 1/2 hour. The on-line application is awkward but within 2 or 3 weeks you are ready to go. You still may be screened by Customs on entry into US. Have not tried it yet but I am enrolled. Others have had good success.

Are we speaking of Thai Air? If so the miles needed for an upgrade from Prem.Economy to Royal Silk (Business Class) is 35,000/one way. Upgrades from Economy to Business range from 46,000 to 81,000/one way. I found this info on Thai Air website. Correct me if I am wrong. Yes, getting to LAX is the hitch when using Thai Air. One option is to use a partner airline like USAirways which allows you to accumulate miles on Thai plus allows you to check bags all the way through to BKK via LAX. For GT, Delta claims they will improve website in 2011 to allow on-line booking of upgrades to Business same as was with NorthWest.

Agreed, Delta website sucks. Now it is necessary to pick a date and call to speak with a rep to book a flight. And, yes, $3000+ and 50,000 miles for round trip. My only thought is to switch to Thai Air out of LA. Start with Premium Economy; earn some miles and then upgrade to Business Class.

Perhaps, but there is nothing else to discuss on this forum anymore.

This is not my experience. I have flown Business Class 10 years ago and it is now better then before except for the food. Premium economy is a poor second (although better than economy) except for Thai Air which offers a decent premium economy seating. For those interested check out the seating for premium economy on www.seatguru.com for various airlines.

I think it is necessary to bear in mind the First Class section is something few or any of us ever have the chance to experience. Business Class has enough luxury to make international flight tolerable. Although since NWA and Delta merger the food in Business Class is crap.

Normally I would never click on anything like this. This time I did and I regret it. Beyond awful.

Other then eating in the street, does anyone else have recommendations for Thai restaurants? I know Salt and Pepper is popular as is OrAhHarn near Center Condo, Second Rd.

Well,it is not in Thailand but where I live there is The Cock and Bull!

On the low price side, I like Rin's Kitchen; on the high side, Cabbages and Condoms. The bf would disagree with me on these choices.

You may want to check out Sawatdee Gay Thailand Forum; three other guys are arriving in BKK on same date as you and were asking for info on recommendations on taxi service to Jomtien. Maybe you can all hook up together?