deckard69

14 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

If you are staying in central Bangkok areas - be warned no taxi is using a meter. An absolute disgrace. Rip off fares are back but now on steroids. 

When they try to pull that you just tell them to pull over. It funny how fast that meter comes on.

Just read this today, the video is insane.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/thailand-gang-attacks-uk-family-video/

hey guys, thanks for all the comments.  If you're not watching the taxi meter at the beginning of the ride, it's hard to tell if the meter is running fast.  You have to see that first increment increase at 1km to know something is wrong, otherwise it's near impossible to tell, unless you have a meter chart.

Some taxis have a meter chart hanging from the seat that list out distance and how much the cost should be. 

So I have no problem getting taxi drivers to turn on the meter.  Some drivers are incredibly honest and switch it on before I open my mouth and some not so much.  My general rule is I won't take a taxi in Bkk unless the meter is switched on. 

Now, I know the meter should start at 35bt and it should go up by 2bt after the first 1.3km and then raise by 2bt every 0.3km.  Most of the taxis I used on my last trip were tip top, but a few I got into had fast meters.  These fast meters would jump up after 1km.  I even had one taxi that was clocking 'stopped time' at the same time as driving which of course caused the meter to rise faster.

I knew the meters were fast, but I didn't bother to say anything.  I could have jumped out, but paying the 37 or 39bt meter and then getting another taxi would have ended up costed me.  I just thought there was no point in fighting with the driver over something like 20bt on a 130bt ride.  (I took a few long rides, like 15km) 

My question is this, how do you guys, who live in bkk or visit there a lot, deal with this?  Do you suck it up and say TIT? Do you tell the drive he meter is fast and work out a cheaper fare? 

Made it out to that Beatles band last Friday.  It was really enjoyable.  The guy play John got pretty drunk and he was just a mess on some of the solos, but that made it all the more fun.

Thanks for the heads up about this.

In Myanmar now, but haven't been in a single bar. Partly it's because I'm having stomach issues.

The women here are mostly stunning.

Any Myanmar trip reports?

Was there last November. Thought it was interesting to say the least. Highlight was lineup of girls in Emperor Entertainment.

In Myanmar now, but haven't been in a single bar. Partly it's because I'm having stomach issues.

The women here are mostly stunning.

Hey guys, I'm heading off to Myanmar tonight, so I'll have shit wifi for the new few weeks.  I am on the LINE group so maybe i'll see some of you in early January.

Deckard out!

Thanks Petermac. 

Their website totally sucks.  It took me 15 minutes to track down the exact location of their bar. I shouldn't have to work that hard. 

Seems like a lot of new people have joined the group in the 3 days I've been part of it. I think these groups will always be changing, depending on the time of year and who's in town. 

Pattaya does seem like it has more of the soi 6 gogo bar owners on there being friendly and trying to get people out to party. 

I think he's referring to Patrick's Fashionway on soi 11 next to the 7/11 opposite the Ambassador hotel.

 

Bought many suits there over the years and continue to go back.

 

I've never bought just shirts there but last time I was there I think the going rate was $20. My shirts are alway part of my suit purchase.

 

You choose the fabric and the pattern. Your fabric choice will probably affect prices.

 

The owners last name is Patrick but if you ask for Patrick, the sales person, usually a family member, will gladly cop to the name.

lol, their website doesn't even have their right location on their website.  way to go!

Thanks for clearing that up, Bob. 

There are so many places in that area, so it's a little confusing.  Gonna have spend some time there looking around, of course after a nice massage.

A Line group was already started here:

 

http://www.bangkok-addicts.com/forum/topic/5611-line-group-for-on-the-ground-members/

 

It was originally in the December roll call thread. I have since moved it to it's own thread and pinned it.

Thank you, Rowy.  I will check it out.

Thanks for the input Trevor. 

Hey guys, I post on the Pattaya forum and noticed they have a LINE group.  Since I'm coming to LOS, I decided to join it.  Thought I'm not there yet, I can already see how this is a fantastic tool for connecting people who what to go out together. 

Do you guys think it would good to do this?  I don't think I should run the LINE group, since I don't live in BKK.  I was thinking a local would be more suited for that.  As soon as I leave, I won't be in the group since none of the messages will apply to me.

I'm pretty sure following their model would be best.  You know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. 

I copied this from the LINE thread there:

Purpose

LINE (Smartphone app) for members on the ground in Pattaya to exchange locations and meet up points in real time.

Example

"Hey guys heading to Skybar at 6pm for a beer if anyone's about and fancies a beer?" .

How to join

No longer accepting invites, you must use the QR code to join through your LINE app.

Tips

1. Turn chat notifications off for the group or the entire app.
2. Be cautious about sharing pics.
3. Once your trip is complete jump out of the group to free up space.
4. Get involved, introduce yourself and your travel plans. Don't just observe.

Rules

1. If you want to add a mate, send him the QR code. Don't invite him. Unaccepted invites clog the group.
2. If you're not there, chat as much as you like - But keep it to a minimum during Pattaya evening hours 6pm - 6am. This stops the chat feed being clogged up for those who are there at the time.
3. Don't be negative or a dickhead.

Hey, I'd be down to check out this band.  petermac, any update???

Pattay - Friday Jan 1st - Monday Jan 4th

Bangkok - Monday Jan 4th - Sunday Jan 10th

I'll be down to hang out and cause trouble.  I've heard some good things about Patpong, and I'd like to give it another chance, but I won't go there alone.

In September this year I got three business shirts, 1 pair of business pants, 1 pair of chino pants for just under $400 AUD,

Quality is great, super 200 blend fabric on the pants. Very reasonable. 

Cool, thanks for the information.  It's useful to know the prices.

No one posted here, but here is an update just in case anyone is interested.

I ordered some from Australia.  Got them yesterday and tried them this morning.  They are thick, so sensitivity, or lack thereof, is an issue.  They are lubed with vivagel, but it's almost like they are dry.  The expiration date is quite short, as far as condoms are concerned.  The ones I ordered at set to expire in May of 2016.  In my experience, condoms have a 2 to 3 years. 

I was also quite surprised that they are manufactured in Thailand. 

As a first time user, I have to say that I don't like them.  I will try them out more this weekend and let you know if I grow to like them more.

Asia Fashion on Sukhumvit Soi 11 does good work. Ask for Patrick, he's an Indian and speaks perfect English along with perfect Thai. Over the years I have done a lot of stuff there but they are everywhere up and down Sukhumvit. 

Sorry TR, but I can't find any Asia Fashion in my searches.  Is this the place you're talking about?  http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g293916-d1625605-Reviews-Patrick_Co-Bangkok.html

As I was searching online, I found some people talking about this place.  anyone have dealings there?

http://www.gulatibespoke.com/index.html

Asia Fashion on Sukhumvit Soi 11 does good work. Ask for Patrick, he's an Indian and speaks perfect English along with perfect Thai. Over the years I have done a lot of stuff there but they are everywhere up and down Sukhumvit. 

TR, thanks for the quick reply and advice.  What kind of prices am I looking at for each shirt (if you know)?  Thanks again.

Hey everyone, just wondering if anyone can give personal recommendations for getting clothing made.  I was thinking about get 2 or 3 dress shirts made while in bkk next month.  I've done plenty of looks online, but as I said, I'm looking for personal recommendations.  Places that have used before and trust. 

fyi, i don't need a quick turnaround time.  I can space things out from a week up to a month. 

thanks for the tips.

Hey, has anyone used the new vivagel condoms?  If yes, what did you think?  Are you able to buy them in LOS?