Butch

Hi chaps

SVB Departures

An update to SVB as from my return journey yesterday via EVA.

I left pattaya at 05:45 and got to SVB at 07:10, once my bag was wrapped, I headed to the EVA check in area.

The airport seemed to be busier than usual , perhaps due to the holidays:

If you look in the background, it was heaving with people.

Gone are the horrific queues that EVA managed to create this time last year, as the check in process is now very easy and slick.

The EVA check in area at time of writing was Section "R"

I had not checked in online, and upon arriving did the following:

I went to the small Self service desk and selected EVA air, then scanned my passport:

After answering some standard worded questions, it printed out the required number of baggage labels and boarding pass.

After attaching the labels, it was then just a matter of heading to the Bag drop:

Each bag drop kiosk has a hand scanner, (sorry, no pics) you then scan your boarding pass and answer some questions, and it then asks how many bags you're dropping, and you then scan the first one, place it on the belt, and the machine prints a baggage receipt, then it asks again if you wish to drop another bag, so you then scan the second one and repeat.

The machine then gives confirmation and your final baggage receipt, and that's it. All done.

It is a very easy and slick system, and there are people on hand to help in case of any issues.

It was then on to immigration (no queues at all) where I used the E- passport option, but realised I had an entry stamp but no exit one. I asked an immigration officer if it will be a problem, he said it wouldn't, but it might be an idea to keep any records like my boarding pass or ticket with me next time, just in case. There are lines available for manned kiosks where I guess they'll give you an exit stamp, but as I said, I didn't get one.

I can't see this being an issue, but I've kept all my documents just in case they get the arse next time I visit.

Overall, a massive improvement at SVB over last year.

LHR:

LHR had few queues, not busy at all. E-gates working this time, and my bags were the first off after the Biz class ones.

I did mention in my earlier post that as tech gets better, costs for EV's will reduce, rang will increase along with general overall ownership costs for the lifespan of the vehicle.

Seems that this years new models being released are leaps and bounds forward of those 3 or 4 years ago. Unlike the ICE industry where new models are just subtle design changes or improvements on old ones, we're seeing a wider range of vehicles for a wider range of budgets.

This will continue along the current trend as EV's become more popular. My only reservation is that as Govts lose tax revenue on fuel, they will seek to obtain or redress that shortfall elsewhere. This also may mean that less demand for fuel for ICE vehicles translates into cheaper pump prices. (only my opinion).

I'm still not a convert though. I prefer ICE vehicles, in the same way some gentlemen prefer blondes, or some guys like spicy food and others don't. I've driven EV's and find them souless, bland and unexciting apart from the acceleration that's delivered with seemingly clinical effort and precision. Maybe I'm a luddite lol.

or

or even

Avoid it.

2 kinds of scratches that appear on even a new car. Paint scratches caused by objects damaging the paint (going through the laquer layer and into the physical paint itself) - needs repainting.

Polishing scratches which appear if you look at the roof at an angle in sunlight and see lots of very close "fine lines" caused by minute particles being picked up in the polishing cloth or sponge or held in suspension in the water when washing the car which cause micro scratches, (best way to wash a car, 2 bucket method see google)

To remove scratches in laquer you need to use a clay bar, then gradually decreasing abrasive levels of cutting compound and finally buff over with a wax, then seal it with ceramic or other coating.

What this product will do is, (speculation here) appear to "fill" the fine scratches with oil or an oil based residue which , like when it rains and water does the same job, temporarily hide them.

1 hour ago, Nightcrawler said:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13209203/Plane-passenger-tries-life-toilet-EVA-Air-flight-Bangkok-London.html

I saw this.

EVA seem to attract some odd ones:

https://onemileatatime.com/passenger-crew-wipe-butt/

and

https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/heathrow-flights-passenger-fight-runway-b2422362.html

Then there's this, but it's only speculative and possibly totally made up:

Man known as "nightcrawler" found with 2 ladyboys in EVA Air toilet gloryhole scandal.

On 3/18/2024 at 4:14 PM, thumper63 said:

Seems another of my favorite bars is but a shadow of its former glory. Papaguyos is mostly empty. There are a few girls sitting around playing with their phones but no music or dancers on stage. I had a lot of fun in that bar over the years. it's sad to see. 

Me too, I used to work my way through the gin menu occasionally. It used to be a brilliant place, I even managed to block the toilets there once.

8 minutes ago, galenkia said:

Does he dress like that and carry a candle?.

He dresses much worse, and more often than not, he has something gripped firmly in his right hand.

On 3/12/2024 at 11:02 PM, Nightcrawler said:

For those who remember the legendary Lake Palmer, he passed away in Great Yarmouth on the 8th March 2024 after a long illness 

 

Have you ever noticed that he bears a passing resemblance to your good self?.

When I'm in the PI my sleep pattern adjusts to the family way of life (if staying with them) rather than to avoid the heat. I'm often in bed around 9pm and up at around 0400 - 0500.

In our own house I'm in my normal routine, but I absolutely love early mornings in SEA, especially rural settings. When i'm up contry, the smell of the humidity, the plants and the gradual increase of warmth makes the time very special for me. I will often sit outside on the veranda or patio at sunrise with a mug of tea, some poached eggs on toast and just relax as the sounds and smells permeate my senses.

New Dacia spring EV, cheapest on the market.

The 45hp model might do for shopping trips only, as 19 seconds to 60 is slower than pretty much any other car on the market, but the 65hp model is more sprightly and slightly more expensive than the £15k price tag (probably just a hook for advertising and to get headlines - no one in their right mind will go for the low power model).

Overall, despite a 135 or so mile range, for a city EV on a budget but still with decent comfort levels, I don't think this one can be beaten.

Two respected and very good reviews:

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/behold-very-new-very-cheap-and-very-excellent-electric-dacia-spring

https://www.carwow.co.uk/dacia/news/7042/new-dacia-spring-price-specs

Either

Or

*Note, fit the cat with a self opening parachute in case of an error in judgement on its behalf.

On 3/15/2024 at 8:17 PM, karon steve said:

Or one drink split 7 ways?

Didn't NDTV show an Indian guy's bill where he spent 200,000+ baht in an afternoon on Soi 6?

Rumours abound that this was a set up for publicity, as the guy ordered however many hundred shots, which would be enough to have the entire Soi pissed up.

Having not witnessed it myself, I can only go with the more sensible and realistic version of events that it was indeed a publicity stunt.

I was in Mistys on Pattayaland 2 when the legends "Razor" and "Slasha" were having a bell ringing competition. Both very successful businessmen from HK and both very affable chaps. Wouldn't accept any drinks in return and told me to "just enjoy myself and avail of the free drinks coming my way".

I think the legendary LDK was in the bar at the same time.

On 2/10/2024 at 12:13 PM, KhunDon said:

Flatlining 🤣

I’ve just ordered my second EV. 

https://insideevs.com/news/625155/uk-plugin-car-sales-november2022/amp/

This is Atkinson’s Mc Laren F1. Twat can’t even drive. 
 

 

 

That's actually back on the road (or in a collection) having been crashed twice by Rowan and fixed

You're right though, it takes a special kind of twat to demolish a multi million pound iconic hypercar. He definitely had his ambitions mixed up with his capabilities on that one.

Just now, Derek Dangleberries said:

For some reason, I read the topic title and presumed it was about the M25 .... But this looks worse!!

Well Done Thailand - The Hub of traffic chaos ...

Yep, the M25 is indeed closed in one section this weekend for the first time in years to demolish a bridge.

Not that the M25 needs any help turning itself into a total clusterfuck anyway.

glad I wasn't a passenger on this one. The seat in front would have been covered in diced carrots and tomato skins...

this is Dusseldorf, not LHR.

36 minutes ago, Derek Dangleberries said:

Shit yeh (again)!

When I moved to Surin in '97 a Swiss guy got his throat cut at the Kap Choeng border because he'd been slagging off a bunch of Thai blokes in one of the food shops there. I had met him a few times in Surin City and he was a right arrogant, rude dickhead !!

No idea what gives rise to the entitled behaviour of some guys Derek, especially in a country where they're a guest. He paid the ultimate price for his stupidity though.

I don't see much of this in the Philippines, but I do avoid areas like AC etc where there's a larger concentration of foreigners. I'm aghast at the behaviour of the people you highlighted in your earlier post, they lack basic humanity let alone manners, and its not as if the actions are of rude kids either!.

9 hours ago, Pumpuynarak said:

Mine used to overheat on a hot summer day so i had to stop at a garage and use the airline to cool it down lol. The TR6 had a Lucas fuel injection system which was pretty piss poor.

Ah, yes, mine had an alloy radiator and two kenlowe fans added by the previous owner (I think maybe from a Range Rover) which supported the viscous fan that was driven by the engine. They came on when the temp increased past a certain point.

I miss the old girl, she had a lovely sound as that straight 6 hit the sweet spot.

Just got home from the Hospital visiting my Dad.

My Mrs came along and bless her, there's a dead Roe Deer on the side of the road, she asked why we can't take it home as she heard that Venison is expensive.

I pointed out that having a deer carcass in the back of her car leaking stuff everywhere, stinking and covered in shit isn't a great idea, and although it wasn't there last night when we came home, I might struggle to lift an 80kg lump of dead animal over the crash barrier in the live lane of the A11 and into the boot.

Bless her she's very clever but sometimes I do wonder to myself.

Incidentally, there were about 10 dead pheasants littering the roadside as well I counted.

On 3/6/2024 at 1:41 AM, Pumpuynarak said:

I had the same colour Matt but mine had 72 spoke wire wheels, sorry no pics. I loved it 👍

Mine was saffron, Injected model (1972 K Reg). The only issue I had was the metering pump gave up and started to put fuel into the sump, luckily I noticed early and saved myself an expensive rebuild.

Just a bit of a random topic really.

Mine was at the age of 14 when I snagged a Summer holiday job labouring for a roofer.

£15 per day in cash, which was a fortune to me as most of my mates were either doing £26 a week YOPS placements (Youth opportunity scheme).

That was in 1985.

It was hard work, and bless her, my Mum didn't ask for any upkeep, she just let me keep all of it.

5 hours ago, Nickrock said:

So as a customer how would that affect me on a advertised bar crawl

Enough for the BiB to find you guilty by association and maybe ask for a donation to the tea kitty perhaps?, highly unlikely, but I'd avoid getting into that situation in the first place.

2 hours ago, galenkia said:

Things are okay, feel good, both physically and mentally, going to the gym everyday.

Had a bit of a period where my heart felt a bit erratic, like having constant indigestion, but it feels better now.

So have a more positive outlook now.

Keep going in that direction then mate.

If you feel you're having a "tank slapper" then pick up the phone or PM me.

Seems like spring has sprung upon us and the good biking weather is here. It might be time to go looking around a few dealerships and checking out what is available, perhaps a goal for the next week or two.

I was on my way to visit my Dad today and went past a Kwaka dealership, glanced to my left and just saw the words "Harris" on a bike with a black tank and gold embossed letters, so i'm guessing a Harris Magnum special of some type. Wifey wouldn't let me turn around and look though, dammit.

24 minutes ago, Nickrock said:

I would be surprised the guy that manages the crawl is the social media guy employed by the group that owns a whole string of gcs 

What I meant Nick is that the guys taking these guys out on crawls don't have work permits.

If you're on about the chancer that is Steve Acreman, it might be prudent to look into his business practices as well. Trevor doesn't work for Steve, but he does own the buzzing pattaya set up which was also once part owned by Howard Miller.

Any muppet subsequently "employed" by Trevor is most likely not going t o have a work permit, and given the accusations of Trevor being an immigration informant (unfounded but rumoured) then it begs a question as to why they are allowed to operate in such a manner with apparent impunity to the local Police.

Of course, all the above is conjecture and is mostly my opinion which is not representative of the opinion of the owners of the forum. They have allowed my opinion to be expressed by the rights of free speech and bear no responsibility to anything I've posted therein.

2 hours ago, galenkia said:

Back home from the hospital and was positive.

The nurse said she couldn’t see any problems and will send the results to my Surgery.

So both my physical and mental health nurses have been very happy with me this week.

 

Mate,

that's what they're saying, but how are you feeling in yourself?.

PM if you need to.

Enough to put you off a diving career:

31 minutes ago, Nickrock said:

Go on one of buzzing lounge  in in soi pothole gents clubs crawls every Friday and Monday at 3 pm until 10 or 11 you go to 6 or 7 clubs the door is basically locked after you arrive and is a interactive as you wish to be 

The people running these crawls don't have work permits.

I'd be very, very wary of anything connected to this bloke.