biggles

I have logged into Secrets website every day since the date it was supposed to close down and had no problems. Accessing from AC Philippines on a very old Ipad2 with limited tech.

Roadworks in Thailand were never intended to resolve problems, think of them more as "job creation" or "wealth accumulation" projects and you will better understand the process. I remember years ago an extra lane was added to Sukhumvit road south of Pattaya Thai. Riding my motorbike down there six months later was a challenge, full of bumps and potholes.

Just a "heads up" on the E visa on line application process. If you google it you got lots of sites BUT most don't give you an actual E visa, what they give you for $19 is a Letter of Invitation. When you arrive at Immigration in Vietnam you show your Letter and are then directed to an office where you pay a further $25 for an ACTUAL visa. Their is ONE site that is run by Viet Govt Immigration service. https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn you fill out an on line form, upload a photo of yourself (passport style) and of your passport face page. Pay on line and get your E visa sent to your email address within 3 days. Worked fine for myself and my Filipina GF.

Metered taxis charge according to their size, bigger cars cost 40-60% more. Decals on the side show the prices. Locals often dont speak any English, download google translate, it really helps.

"Just finished watching Rake, great tv show." A great show, typical australian humour and very well done. Sort of an oz " Californication" without the rich life style. I only recently found out that the Netflix library you get to choose from is dependant on where you log in from. My US friend has different selections to me here in the Philippines ?

Back in the Philippines after a month in Vietnam, HCMC, Nha Trang and Dalat. Heading back to Pattaya early June for two months.

Heading to the Nha Trang beach front. They have done wonders with this place, clean, wide, no hawkers or boats. A tree lined park almost all the way along it. The Russians have invaded this place, menus, signs etc all Russian. Full of couples and families who probably all deserted Jomtien.

Sitting with my beautiful GF in Highlands coffee in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Great coffee, strong wifi and nice air con. I could just as easily have gone to Jomtien and felt at home as the place is FULL of Russians. Signs, menus, travel agents, almost everything is geared to the Russian visitor.

GF and I really enjoyed KL, great variety of food, clean, safe, easy to get around. Been several times now . Also HKK is another favourite but accom much more expensive and sometimes a bit cold.

Painters post 3 hours ago shows it at 22.13, think I would rather not know.! Off to Vietnam this time, not back till June now

Honda Click 125 in Pattaya. Sold my 20 year old car in oz but kept my Hyosung motorbike. Use public transport in the Philippines, tho I have licences just not keen to drive on the "wrong" side of the road!! Just a ps; my 20 year old car was costing me $550 a year in road tax, only visited once a year so cheaper and easier to hire a car from the airport.

Hi everyone, I have been posting on Pattayaforums for 12 years or more so wanted to join here. I am a reformed monger, met "the one" 6 years ago after happily mongering in Pattaya and Philippines for many years. I have so many friends from those years who still post and love to catch up with all the latest news. Hope to see you all here.