Bangkok Reports

[Werqweq]

RE: Thai Bank. If I may ask, which do you use and are there any established relationships with US banks?

N_R.

Only one I've heard of is Bangkok Bank, which has or used to have an US branch.

[LuvStJohn]

Oh wow good point, I forgot the fee is not based on withdrawal amount. Time to take out the max.

Although in my three transactions so far this is what I calculated base off of googled exchange rate at time of withdrawal.

1 - 11 baht per $100 withdrawal.

2 - 9 baht.

3 - 28 baht. Not sure why this one trans fee was a lot more. Maybe schwab doesn't used live exchange rate when doing foreign withdrawals. Possible avg for the day or previous day.

I was taking out 5 k each time, will do max now that you mention its a flat fee. This was all in Pattaya krungsri ATM not sure if it matters. The TT kiosks was at lowest I withdrew got about 21 baht fee per $100. TT seems to be consistently the lowest at Pattaya. My 3 Schwab withdrawal still avg out lower than my kiosks withdrawals. I'll probably do one big withdrawal when I'm back in Bangkok to get my moneys worth.

Maybe I'm just not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I do want to pass out a warning to drunk or jet-lagged ATM users in Thailand.

Four trips since 2018, spent over a year in Thailand, and I still leave my ATM card in the machine. Twice, so far. My regular US ATM always gives me my card back before I get the money while it's making a loud beeping noise with flashing lights reminding me to get it.

In Thailand, they give you the money first, the card after you finalize the transaction. In fairness, you get the same loud 'hey don't forget your card idiot' tone after you get the money, but the first time it happened I was way too drunk and had already stumbled down the road and didn't notice the machine screaming at me. Fortunately, I was leaving in a few days and had my backup. I thought I learned my lesson until I did it again my first day in BKK last summer when I was trying to stay awake to adjust to the time difference. Damn! I have to second the Schwab recommendation since they sent me a card in less than a week at no charge. So remember, take your money then wait for the card. Do as I say, not as I do.

Getting a local bank account this time since I'm now spending half my time there.

[Explorer8939]

Many posters in this forum are deeply embedded in the P4P scene and never see the more normal side of Thailand society. We also look at dating sites that are geared for Thai women meeting foreign men (ThaiFriendly, ThaiCupid, ThaiFlirting). Our thought process is skewed and we seldom see normal Thai society.

If we spend a few weeks in non-tourist areas, we will think differently (e.g., Roi Et, Nakhon Si Thammarat, northern Bangkok). I've done a fair amount of those things and it is a different world. Actually doing it is not recommended to punters, many will get bored.

What you are saying is there isn't much mongering outside of the specialized mongering sites (Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, etc). In real life, Thai bars do have ladies, but for drinks only. Ladies don't go with Thai customers in the bar. If they want to go, arrangements will be made. Sometimes a bargirl will become a mia noi for a customer, which takes her off the market.

[The Kaiser]

Both SOL (Star of Light) if reopened, and Meet the World, open, are INSTITUTIONS WRT BJ bars. Both in Patpong, Patpong 2. Directions in earlier FR's. Both function afternoons for a bit of afternoon delight. If you're a form over function type, perhaps not for you as lookers they are not, but skill sets... Unique experiences and make good war stories. Just mention SOL and watch the ole BKK hands grin.

SOL was on my list already because I had read they do the deed right in the bar and that's something that should be on everyone's bucket list IMO. I do need to have the girls attractive enough in one way or another, so they way you describe it, I might find it challenging to perform.

Being a solo traveler, I always enjoy hunting alone at the bars. You start adding people and it gets exponentially more complicated. I only have to please myself (stay, leave, go where, when, etc), selfish that way. I also find it easier to meet who I'm there to meet, and no disrespect to any member here, it's not you (2nd person plural). Clear to ALL concerned as to why I'm there ....

I agree with you on this note. The logistics are a lot easier to manage and only depend on my whims and fancies. It's just that my social skills always perform better when I've been able to warm up. I really should just bite the bullet and head out tonight. I'm probably building the whole thing up far too much in my head.

A nod to BOTH TheKaiser and ElFlaco172 for their entertaining and informative FR's. Understand it takes effort AND TIME to post; yours are appreciated.

I appreciate it! This forum was invaluable to a guppy like me, but I honestly only posted because these aren't exactly the sort of activities I can discuss with the vast majority of people I know. The anonymity of this forum allows me to process, share and get feedback from veterans, so I'm glad my selfishness in posting is also of some benefit to others.

Both punting and tourism would grow boring on their own, but when mixed, a week or two doing one, then a week or two doing the other, that's a mix I like.

That's why I started Muay Thai this week.

Also I should probably type up and share my reports for this week sometime.

[11Bravo]

Thanks for all the detail info on connecting in Inchon. Both flights are on Asiana, so I am hoping the connections will be close by. As for my mileage status with United, it really boils down to basically nothing now days. United takes care of those revenue generating passengers, not us retired folks. As for the lifetime pass, all that means is that United looks forward to me dropping dead as soon as possible!

Any way, thanks again for all the good info for this novice flyer on Asiana and Inchon airport. Us retired folks need to know where exactly we are going so I don't want to be staying in Inchon for 24 hours! LOLOL!

Couple of more memories: in Nov last year, Asiana was a "no mask, no fly" airline, enforced. They ran out of free masks during boarding of the initial leg, and were directing those who didn't have their own to shops at the airport where masks could be bought. Everyone in Incheon was wearing masks. Doesn't bother me, but some ....

I'd usually transit Incheon 4 times a year. The WIDE arrivals corridor to transfer, immigration, baggage claim, has moving walkways. The transfer is a corridor at right angles to the main corridor. Well marked with ceiling signs. My ONLY concern with connections was the in-transit security. The agents are efficient, it's the other passengers you have to worry about ("where did I put my notebook in my carry-on?) Seems they usually run 2-3 out of 4 security lines, with a traffic manager at the head of the single "muliti-switchback" feeder line to the separate lines. Usually works, but I've jumped when I've noticed a herd of confused ahead of me in the line I was directed to. Once through, no worries. Up an escalator to the departure floor, coming out at the base of one of the arms.

The arms are NOT all that short, especially if you're lucky enough to have a gate at the end loop, but it is NO BKK "pack a lunch" Swampy either. Moving walkways along the main connector between the 2 arms, and along the arms themselves. On the incoming flight, they will announce departure gates, but as I said, I can never understand. Tote boards in the main areas, but I find the tote board in the business lounge easier to read. My onward boarding pass did have the gate on it, but always best to double check. Upstairs, besides the lounges, are the other common areas, such as quiet rooms, tv rooms, etc.

[Lcale1982]

I'd say a better rate via Schwab, certainly not worse. MUCH easier to use an ATM and you don't have to worry about unaccepted currency bills. Even though Schwab does refund the fees, I still take a maximum amount from an ATM as the ATM fee is a set fee, NOT based on the withdrawal amount. Call me naive, but I don't want to nickle and dime Schwab to death (though to test a new card, I do take $20 from a local ATM just to ensure all is well). Even if it was a lesser rate, and we're talking fractions of a baht, the convenience is worth it to me.

Oh wow good point, I forgot the fee is not based on withdrawal amount. Time to take out the max.

Although in my three transactions so far this is what I calculated base off of googled exchange rate at time of withdrawal.

1 - 11 baht per $100 withdrawal.

2 - 9 baht.

3 - 28 baht. Not sure why this one trans fee was a lot more. Maybe schwab doesn't used live exchange rate when doing foreign withdrawals. Possible avg for the day or previous day.

I was taking out 5 k each time, will do max now that you mention its a flat fee. This was all in Pattaya krungsri ATM not sure if it matters. The TT kiosks was at lowest I withdrew got about 21 baht fee per $100. TT seems to be consistently the lowest at Pattaya. My 3 Schwab withdrawal still avg out lower than my kiosks withdrawals. I'll probably do one big withdrawal when I'm back in Bangkok to get my moneys worth.

[11Bravo]

You're not naive but just doing the right thing. Do unto others as they do unto you. Schwab does us right.

Thanks, confirmed my thoughts.

Thanks for the intel Bravo! That's good to know. Are any ATM's okay? Or do you go specifically to the ATM's right next to the the Banks?

I can't say if there are any independent ATM's as I wouldn't use if there were. Probably an ATM inside Nana but I wouldn't use. Given I pass a Krungsri bank every day on my walk to the BTS station, I use theirs. There are a number of other banks on my route, theirs is just the most convenient and secure IMHO. The ATM's are inside a foyer with another door to the bank office itself. Security guard opens the door to the foyer; it's private but visible if you know what I mean. I've also used the Citi Bank ATM's at Asoke, but they're very public, outside in a busy pedestrian way, though there is a bank employee (at least there used to be) outside with the ATM's. I haven't bothered to check, but I'm sure that every bank charges the maximum allowed for use of their ATM by a stranger, simple business anywhere in the world. I don't care to have any casual observers watching me take the cash and put it away, but I also don't want to be out remotely. I figure, maybe wishful thinking, that monitored ATM's are less likely to have skimmers, etc. Just use common sense for anywhere in the world, including home.

Not sure about other BJ bars because I'm yet to go.
...
I still haven't been to Nana or Cowboy yet. The task has seemed a little daunting for a solo traveller and I'm usually running low on energy later into the night. I think being high energy and sociable is the most conducive state for that scene, so maybe this weekend.

Both SOL (Star of Light) if reopened, and Meet the World, open, are INSTITUTIONS WRT BJ bars. Both in Patpong, Patpong 2. Directions in earlier FR's. Both function afternoons for a bit of afternoon delight. If you're a form over function type, perhaps not for you as lookers they are not, but skill sets... Unique experiences and make good war stories. Just mention SOL and watch the ole BKK hands grin.

Being a solo traveler, I always enjoy hunting alone at the bars. You start adding people and it gets exponentially more complicated. I only have to please myself (stay, leave, go where, when, etc), selfish that way. I also find it easier to meet who I'm there to meet, and no disrespect to any member here, it's not you (2nd person plural). Clear to ALL concerned as to why I'm there ....

Long time lurker. I've learned quite a bit from this forum. I tend to do a lot of research before immersing myself into the mongering scene and it was quite insightful. I've been in Bangkok for 2 weeks and I have to say this is an amazing city. You can never get bored here, there's always something interest around the corner.

A nod to BOTH TheKaiser and ElFlaco172 for their entertaining and informative FR's. Understand it takes effort AND TIME to post; yours are appreciated.

Many posters in this forum are deeply embedded in the P4P scene and never see the more normal side of Thailand society. We also look at dating sites that are geared for Thai women meeting foreign men (ThaiFriendly, ThaiCupid, ThaiFlirting). Our thought process is skewed and we seldom see normal Thai society.

If we spend a few weeks in non-tourist areas, we will think differently (e.g., Roi Et, Nakhon Si Thammarat, northern Bangkok). I've done a fair amount of those things and it is a different world. Actually doing it is not recommended to punters, many will get bored.

Both punting and tourism would grow boring on their own, but when mixed, a week or two doing one, then a week or two doing the other, that's a mix I like.

[Rodwint2]

Million mile status? Lifetime Red Carpet? Just call me Junior....

Not to alarm you, but, that is a tight connection and I speak from experience, my own 85 minute connection. Just my last trip, last November, incoming flight late by 30 minutes, and even as the A380 was still taxiing to the gate, the onward flight was boarding (boarding starts about 50 minutes before departure time), AND I was sitting in the last section on the incoming flight. Long time to taxi, LONG time to deplane. I'd given up hope, next flight was 19 hours later, and as I emerged from the jetway, looked at the crowd of other missed connection passengers. BUT to my relief, there was a handwritten sign saying the onward flight was being held for 30 minutes. ALL RIGHT.

Be aware at Incheon, you have to pass through security x-ray in transit (assumed dirty in). It can get backed up, but does move quickly, most of the time. Once you deplane, just follow the signs for transfer, and as you round a corner, there is security. Before I get there, I empty my pockets into my carry-on, and pull out my laptop, keeping only passport and next boarding pass in pocket. Can't remember if I had to remove shoes (no TSA pre-check here).

Note: assuming your INCOMING flight is Asiana, all of Asiana uses terminal 1. If another carrier, it can be terminal 2; there is a train between the two, but it does take time. I've never had to use.

BUT, being familiar with the airport, checked my departing boarding gate on a tote board. I also knew, and was lucky enough, to be right below an Asiana business class lounge. Quick like a bunny, up to the lounge. You can just scan the boarding pass's QR code to open the automatic gate, but of course it'd been so long, I was trying to check-in at the desk, so the NICE girl showed me that it really was automated (duh). Quick to the food line to grab some finger sandwiches and to get a soft drink (no COKE, Pepsi). Enough time to scarf a couple of sandwiches and a couple of Pepsi's before heading to the onward gate. The flight was already boarding, no chance to use my preferred boarding status, but used the FEW minutes to connect to the free wi-fi (very easy) and send a LINE message to Thai friends that my arrival would be delayed.

So, I'd grab a copy of the airport map, listen for my arrival and departure gates (I can never understand, but my ears are shot). Lounges are upstairs, I don't wait for the elevator but take the escalator. It does pay to glance at the airport's own map to see where you are and the lounges are, there are several. Both sets are where the gate arms join the concourse. Quick Google search for the maps, they LOOK accurate, but won't swear to it. Hell, you're a million mile flyer, they probably hold planes for you; you'll figure it out.

And I've always managed to make a trip to a lounge on every connection, even when 90 minutes (or less). Tight, but doable when you're a Cheap Charlie. I think you really will enjoy the service on Asiana. My one gripe - all the stews look like came from the same cookie-cutter; there are some cute ones.

Thanks for all the detail info on connecting in Inchon. Both flights are on Asiana, so I am hoping the connections will be close by. As for my mileage status with United, it really boils down to basically nothing now days. United takes care of those revenue generating passengers, not us retired folks. As for the lifetime pass, all that means is that United looks forward to me dropping dead as soon as possible!

Any way, thanks again for all the good info for this novice flyer on Asiana and Inchon airport. Us retired folks need to know where exactly we are going so I don't want to be staying in Inchon for 24 hours! LOLOL!

[Zam007]

I went in once and Pui was pretty good. She seemed like she'd had one too many espressos, but the overall experience was enjoyable. It was definitely less than 40 minutes, but I figured speed keeps girls and rooms available, so their approach makes sense business wise. Not sure about other BJ bars because I'm yet to go.

I'm in love with Sideline. In my limited experience, I've found that almost none of the photos to be indicative of the final product. How old or edited the photos are is difficult to know until you show up or try video chatting. Video chatting is too much work for me and I'm not sure if they have apps that can apply a filter, so I've been gambling. I've gone to 3 girls so far.

- the first was a good 10 kg heavier than her photo, but she was kinda cute and the view of the CIM finish was enough to keep me satisfied.

- the second looked very close to her photo. Fit body and excellent riding and BJ skills! She was very assertive and it's probably the first time I was comfortable not taking the lead at all during the encounter..

Good report and I find it useful.

I would like try sideline next time I am there. Do you have to always visit them? How is the room? Is it a Massage parlour or they are willing to come to you?

Because when I visited their website, in the profiles of almost all girls, it's mentioned that they don't work outside, which I believe is 'No Outcall'.

https://www.sidelinethailand.com/a/@tsgsideline

I have been to nana and soicowboy and like you I don't have the energy to venture out in the night. I also lack the necessary skills to convert a conversation to an encounter these days. I have managed with a few some years back.

So, every time I am in BKK, I end up in a MP or an escort from Smooci.

[HorseTrader]

Obviously, you never took statistics in college. One of the things you learn is if you want to lie bring up statistics. All your points / examples have no merit except in your mind. I am done with this topic.

Many posters in this forum are deeply embedded in the P4P scene and never see the more normal side of Thailand society. We also look at dating sites that are geared for Thai women meeting foreign men (ThaiFriendly, ThaiCupid, ThaiFlirting). Our thought process is skewed and we seldom see normal Thai society.

If we spend a few weeks in non-tourist areas, we will think differently (e.g., Roi Et, Nakhon Si Thammarat, northern Bangkok). I've done a fair amount of those things and it is a different world. Actually doing it is not recommended to punters, many will get bored.

[Confiable]

It's not an ignorant comment and doesn't affect my self esteem as I don't date and don't plan to marry. It's based on my personal observations and data. You can lookup dating website statistics and you'll find that the majority of Asian women are interested in only white men. Plenty of videos on Youtube cover dating statistics if you would like to educate yourself. The facts are in the stats, not your feelings.

Obviously, you never took statistics in college. One of the things you learn is if you want to lie bring up statistics. All your points / examples have no merit except in your mind. I am done with this topic.

[11Bravo]

I really appreciate the detailed info on the airline and lounge. I got a million mile status on United and a lifetime Red Carpet membership, so I am stuck with United until I die. I don't travel much now days so I just look forward to my leisure travel in my retirement. I had some reservations about Asiana, but your review relieves my concerns and I can look forward to a nice flight. I do have a tight connection of 85 minutes going over, so I hope there isn't any problems with that.

Again, thanks for the information!

Million mile status? Lifetime Red Carpet? Just call me Junior....

Not to alarm you, but, that is a tight connection and I speak from experience, my own 85 minute connection. Just my last trip, last November, incoming flight late by 30 minutes, and even as the A380 was still taxiing to the gate, the onward flight was boarding (boarding starts about 50 minutes before departure time), AND I was sitting in the last section on the incoming flight. Long time to taxi, LONG time to deplane. I'd given up hope, next flight was 19 hours later, and as I emerged from the jetway, looked at the crowd of other missed connection passengers. BUT to my relief, there was a handwritten sign saying the onward flight was being held for 30 minutes. ALL RIGHT.

Be aware at Incheon, you have to pass through security x-ray in transit (assumed dirty in). It can get backed up, but does move quickly, most of the time. Once you deplane, just follow the signs for transfer, and as you round a corner, there is security. Before I get there, I empty my pockets into my carry-on, and pull out my laptop, keeping only passport and next boarding pass in pocket. Can't remember if I had to remove shoes (no TSA pre-check here).

Note: assuming your INCOMING flight is Asiana, all of Asiana uses terminal 1. If another carrier, it can be terminal 2; there is a train between the two, but it does take time. I've never had to use.

BUT, being familiar with the airport, checked my departing boarding gate on a tote board. I also knew, and was lucky enough, to be right below an Asiana business class lounge. Quick like a bunny, up to the lounge. You can just scan the boarding pass's QR code to open the automatic gate, but of course it'd been so long, I was trying to check-in at the desk, so the NICE girl showed me that it really was automated (duh). Quick to the food line to grab some finger sandwiches and to get a soft drink (no COKE, Pepsi). Enough time to scarf a couple of sandwiches and a couple of Pepsi's before heading to the onward gate. The flight was already boarding, no chance to use my preferred boarding status, but used the FEW minutes to connect to the free wi-fi (very easy) and send a LINE message to Thai friends that my arrival would be delayed.

So, I'd grab a copy of the airport map, listen for my arrival and departure gates (I can never understand, but my ears are shot). Lounges are upstairs, I don't wait for the elevator but take the escalator. It does pay to glance at the airport's own map to see where you are and the lounges are, there are several. Both sets are where the gate arms join the concourse. Quick Google search for the maps, they LOOK accurate, but won't swear to it. Hell, you're a million mile flyer, they probably hold planes for you; you'll figure it out.

And I've always managed to make a trip to a lounge on every connection, even when 90 minutes (or less). Tight, but doable when you're a Cheap Charlie. I think you really will enjoy the service on Asiana. My one gripe - all the stews look like came from the same cookie-cutter; there are some cute ones.

[The Kaiser]

I know Lin is highly recommended but any of you guys have more recommendations from 7-heaven?

I went in once and Pui was pretty good. She seemed like she'd had one too many espressos, but the overall experience was enjoyable. It was definitely less than 40 minutes, but I figured speed keeps girls and rooms available, so their approach makes sense business wise. Not sure about other BJ bars because I'm yet to go.

Also TSG sideline has been mentioned here a couple of times and it peaked my interested because the girls are beautiful and the price are really cheap. The cheap price is also why I'm on the fence with the service. Anyone that used this service, what's the catch? Are the girls so heavily photoshopped that they are ugly?

I'm in love with Sideline. In my limited experience, I've found that almost none of the photos to be indicative of the final product. How old or edited the photos are is difficult to know until you show up or try video chatting. Video chatting is too much work for me and I'm not sure if they have apps that can apply a filter, so I've been gambling. I've gone to 3 girls so far.

- the first was a good 10 kg heavier than her photo, but she was kinda cute and the view of the CIM finish was enough to keep me satisfied.

- the second looked very close to her photo. Fit body and excellent riding and BJ skills! She was very assertive and it's probably the first time I was comfortable not taking the lead at all during the encounter.

- the third had had a lot of work done since her photo or just edited the photo so you couldn't tell. Lips, boobs and enough Botox for 2 lifetimes. She was very nice though and didn't charge extra for CIM after some exceptional service, so it was easy to overlook. She kept the lighting dim and had blue fairy lights around the headboard. The blue light reflecting off of her makeup made it feel like a stylized music video and was a neat visual experience IMO.

As a fellow longtime lurker, I like Sideline Massage Parlors Outcall Escorts (smooci has the best photos and reviews, I've tried 2 others but the price is not worth the gamble IMO) Soapies (pretty but the acting is worse than WWE not to mention the bedroom skills).

I still haven't been to Nana or Cowboy yet. The task has seemed a little daunting for a solo traveller and I'm usually running low on energy later into the night. I think being high energy and sociable is the most conducive state for that scene, so maybe this weekend.

[11Bravo]

This is easy enough to check. Just withdraw 10 k baht from Schwab. See how many USD are withdrawn from your account. Compare the rate you're getting to the posted one at Superrich.

I know if the ATM ate my card in Thailand, I wouldn't be in a very good place without cash on hand. It'd be different if credit cards were widely accepted, but cash is still king in Thailand, especially for your day to day purchases. The more you pull out your card, the more risk you take on for theft, skimmers, etc. . .

MYSELF, I can't be bothered with comparing rates. I'm happy with the Schwab card and the convenience it provides. The only thing I check is the reimbursement at the end of the month, and I don't bother comparing rates there (ATM fee on day n) with end-of-month reimbursement rate. Yes, in a month it can certainly change (as currently), but for me, close enough for government work. MY time is valuable too.

Good point about the more you use, the greater risk of problems. I do try and use ATM's inside of banks, though in writing, I just realized that some that seem to be inside are actually outside the actual bank office itself, but given I use mostly in the early afternoon, hopefully any problems have been found. I do check for skimmers and shield my entry. Soothes my heart at least. I do carry my bank's ATM card as backup, along with a secondary bank's ATM card just because redundancy is king. Due to THEIR fees, hopefully never have to use, but they are there. As someone else recently posted, actually not a simple matter of getting a card replaced, jumping through all the hoops.

[L00PY]

I'd say a better rate via Schwab, certainly not worse. MUCH easier to use an ATM and you don't have to worry about unaccepted currency bills. Even though Schwab does refund the fees, I still take a maximum amount from an ATM as the ATM fee is a set fee, NOT based on the withdrawal amount. Call me naive, but I don't want to nickle and dime Schwab to death (though to test a new card, I do take $20 from a local ATM just to ensure all is well). Even if it was a lesser rate, and we're talking fractions of a baht, the convenience is worth it to me.

This is easy enough to check. Just withdraw 10 k baht from Schwab. See how many USD are withdrawn from your account. Compare the rate you're getting to the posted one at Superrich.

I know if the ATM ate my card in Thailand, I wouldn't be in a very good place without cash on hand. It'd be different if credit cards were widely accepted, but cash is still king in Thailand, especially for your day to day purchases. The more you pull out your card, the more risk you take on for theft, skimmers, etc. . .