Pattaya Reports

[Mr Enternational]

I read many times members talking about their times in insomnia and mention buying bottles of spirits like Grey Goose or whiskey can anyone tell me how much they cost and if they provide glasses to offer shots to any young potential partners I may meet there also if bottle not finish can you leave behind bar for next visit or they allow you to take back to your room. ? Personally I have never had any luck in the past at Insomnia but I am back there in May and maybe a little might help loosen things. Any info on this matter would be a great help.

Anyone been to sin club near 007 lately? Is it any good?

Having a bottle on your table is not going to give you any more luck than walking around with a beer (or nothing for that matter) in your hand. The times that me and friends have gotten bottles it has usually been because there were a lot of us to where it just made more sense, or because they were running a special. It has never been that if hookers see us with a bottle at our table they will be more apt to leave with us. Bottles of whatever usually go from 2000 to 3000 baht. In 808 they sometimes have a special of 3 bottles (Absolut, Chivas, Jack) for 3000 baht.

I will tell you this though. If you buy a bottle after having bought a single drink, you can tell how much the bottles they use for single drinks have been watered down. Yes, you can leave the bottle there for next time you are in the club or you can take it with you. I forget how long they will keep it for you.

[Broxy]

I read many times members talking about their times in insomnia and mention buying bottles of spirits like Grey Goose or whiskey can anyone tell me how much they cost and if they provide glasses to offer shots to any young potential partners I may meet there also if bottle not finish can you leave behind bar for next visit or they allow you to take back to your room. ? Personally I have never had any luck in the past at Insomnia but I am back there in May and maybe a little might help loosen things. Any info on this matter would be a great help.

Anyone been to sin club near 007 lately? Is it any good?

[LittleBigMan]

No need. Many who have come before you have already done the experimenting for you. Might I suggest you read Neil Hutchison's series of books. All of them should be required reading for any guy going to Thailand. My favorite story is about the girlfriend he had who he loaned 1000 baht to because she wanted to make sweets to sell in front of the grocery store. Don't remember exactly, but it was something like this. For the 1000 baht she was able to make 100 units, so they cost her 10 baht each. She sold all the sweets and came home with 300 baht for the day. To her, the business was a success.

There is a saying: If you want to make a small fortune in Thailand, then start with a large one.

I am on my way to Philippines and will not reach Thailand until next week. I wish you could have stuck around, but I will pick up where you left off.

Mr. E.

As you noted "many who have come before you have already done the experimenting " There are times and this is one of them people will listen but in the end they got to do what they got to do and that is they will move forward and learn themselves the answer because for many and I'm one of them that won't be able to say no when ask no matter how tough people talk on the Internet.

When it comes to business venture and I'm no Trump idea's that are pose in general by Thais especially those who now have a link to a foreigner think and I don't blame them want to implement the rumors and ideas they have heard from other workers. In our morning coffee club I've been hearing these venture for years and years rarely have I ever heard anyone of them work out. I've been asked by a number of Thai women with their lesser half ask me about their idea's and sadly the advice I give so often has made me a bit negative to my respond?

When you hear more of the details it usually is sold to them by a person who is one of the people who comes out with the commission the other is the person providing the space, Kiosk in this case, and the product to be sold. Sadly this is why you got property owners asking for non-refundable Key money to rent their property. After a few months the business fails but the property owner puts the sign back up and sit back until another big idea comes along.

I usually just say to them " have you approach a bank and pinch your idea, what is your business plan, what product are you selling and what is the profit margin " in the end I tell the backer " if the bank will lend them the money then you should foot the business otherwise count it up as another trip down the yellow brick row. It's pretty much like Thais coming to me to borrow money because I'm a walking ATM not a real person because they've seen baht being kick out with just a push of a button. They will tell you I will pay you back in 2 months, but if you think about it like a bank, no job no asset, how? It is because they think we have it to lose and won't miss it. To many girls who meet a foreigner they say I will pay you back but rarely does it happen.

Throw the western business thoughts out, revenues, etc. Out the door now none of that means anything. Been there done that math already. Whatever she is selling there is really no wholesale market margin. For example. For clothing unless you are a super large seller in Bangkok a small vendor buying T-shirt to sell at a market is making like 5 baht a shirt. Today and I hope I never hear one again how many Kiosk venture that have failed the one's that stick around are usually one's back like a franchise. Go to Central, and the other Malls, and you will see another Kiosk similar? Individually own and back failure rate is high.

The biggest pinch I've gotten and always remember is the 7/11 one. Lady from the neighborhood comes to talk with my wife because she knows I'm a foreigner about a 7/11. The pinch is if you own one the net profit is 100,000 baht a month. Sound great to a foreigner so what do you think it sounds like to a none educated Thai? I start to ask her more questions the more I ask the more she backs off (doing so they lose face) she gets the commission but knows nothing except what she is told. Do the research and one would find out that was the old old days the beginning. You be a fool to buy one today!

In the end, not to be negative people got to do what they got to do and learn for themselves? Good luck!

[Haven123]

Are you talking USD? $500 US to rent a kiosk in Central Festival? That seems a bit low to me for Central Festival.

$15-25 k US for multiple kiosks? Per year?

I just made a call to their sales office and was told based on location and size they start at 15,000 baht per month. But I believe you have to pay 1 year upfront. The range I was given was 15,000 - 30000 baht per month. I don't have it in writing just verbal. You have submit an application and describe your merchandise intended for sale etc.

I don't believe ( based on my discussion with a couple of vendors that the kiosks do much in terms of revenues. Based on their daily sales I believe 15,000 baht a month is all it warrants. So, the number also jives from a revenue standpoint , imo. I don't believe a mom and pop single owner operator is clearing more than $10k usd per year !!! Lot of work and standing around 7 days a week for that. But for a Thai might make sense if they open 2 and have upfront capital of at least $15k usd (for rent and small inventory ) to deploy.

[MahendraBahuba]

Hi all,

Has anyone ever stayed or heard about this hotel / apartments.

On booking.com it shows very near to walking street, situated in south side.

I did posted a query in "Pattaya Hotels" section but got no reply so trying my luck here.

Thanks,

MB.

[Banana Boi]

That girl in Isaan may be worth backing for a little kiosk shop ( rent starts at $500/ month for a small kiosk) . Well she wants to open a salon in Udon Thani or sakhon Nakom but that's a dumb idea with too many labor mangement issues and difficult to scale. Maybe in Central Festival mall, start with a kiosk. I see some gaps in there that could be potential opening. But both total gross revenues and absolute $ return will be be bupkas, but so will total $ invested as well. As low as $15 k ( with 1 yr prepaid rent) and maybe $25 k purely as an experiment for a multiple kiosk operation to experiment with intra mall locatioms and merchandise, with statistically valid retail experimentation.

Are you talking USD? $500 US to rent a kiosk in Central Festival? That seems a bit low to me for Central Festival.

$15-25 k US for multiple kiosks? Per year?

[Eurojay]

Hello friends,

I hit up Pattaya twice a year and stay approx 10 days on each trip. I have always stayed in Eurasia Boutique next to Tukkom, since that was the place my buddy introduced me to 4 years ago but I am looking for a change. Over my last trip, my daily commute to Soi Bukhaow and Soi 6 prompted me find something in these areas rather than commute everyday. Its only $2 but ID rather stay closer to the action.

Any recommendations. Need a fairly large room if possible since I do spend quite a bit of time there with Wifi and AC / Hot water etc without any hindrances in visitors. Price range under 1000 baht a night? Soi Bukhaow? 3rd Road? Appreciate any help.

Just a reminder, I can't stand the small ST esque rooms which are quite common nowadays. Bed, wardrobe, TV and bathroom, a large space, safety box and Wifi would be nice. Theres so many options down these roads, I could spend a whole trip finding the best accommodation, then I decided to reach out to the community for help.

Eurasia is approx 1000 baht a night, quite a hike and wallet buster for its location but the room size with balcony is at least 45 sqm ++ / 480 sqft ++.

I have a buddy who lives a few towns over who can go and drop in a deposit if needed so online resv / credit card and general payment issues isn't a priority either.

Thanks!

Eurojay.

[Haven123]

No need. Many who have come before you have already done the experimenting for you. Might I suggest you read Neil Hutchison's series of books. All of them should be required reading for any guy going to Thailand. My favorite story is about the girlfriend he had who he loaned 1000 baht to because she wanted to make sweets to sell in front of the grocery store. Don't remember exactly, but it was something like this. For the 1000 baht she was able to make 100 units, so they cost her 10 baht each. She sold all the sweets and came home with 300 baht for the day. To her, the business was a success.

There is a saying: If you want to make a small fortune in Thailand, then start with a large one.

I am on my way to Philippines and will not reach Thailand until next week. I wish you could have stuck around, but I will pick up where you left off.

Ok. Got it. Thanks.

[Mr Enternational]

That girl in Isaan may be worth backing for a little kiosk shop ( rent starts at $500/ month for a small kiosk).

No need. Many who have come before you have already done the experimenting for you. Might I suggest you read Neil Hutchison's series of books. All of them should be required reading for any guy going to Thailand. My favorite story is about the girlfriend he had who he loaned 1000 baht to because she wanted to make sweets to sell in front of the grocery store. Don't remember exactly, but it was something like this. For the 1000 baht she was able to make 100 units, so they cost her 10 baht each. She sold all the sweets and came home with 300 baht for the day. To her, the business was a success.

There is a saying: If you want to make a small fortune in Thailand, then start with a large one.

I am on my way to Philippines and will not reach Thailand until next week. I wish you could have stuck around, but I will pick up where you left off.

[Haven123]

Stick with what works for you. Leaving now may be hard but it will make coming back so much sweeter.

As for the inverstment idea, I am confident in your busienss accumen, but I'd be remiss as a freind if I did not advise some caution.

Enjoy your last hours in Pattaya and post your experiences (after downing all that kramagra. LOL) for us SOBs stuck in the boring old "real" world.

Yes, noted and thanks, Uncle V. As I mentioned, IF I do it will be in the medium term, meaning 18 months from now, or later. But it's not an investment, rather a sociology experiment purely for my interest.

[Uncle Volodya]

Haha. My mom will see right through that. And I will get grief. She's a frickin ex-shrink. It's way better if I just go different places every quarter for 3-5 weeks. And stick to my dep and return dates. It's been working for a few years now and I'm not going to try to fix what is working so far.

Stick with what works for you. Leaving now may be hard but it will make coming back so much sweeter.

As for the inverstment idea, I am confident in your busienss accumen, but I'd be remiss as a freind if I did not advise some caution.

Enjoy your last hours in Pattaya and post your experiences (after downing all that kramagra. LOL) for us SOBs stuck in the boring old "real" world.

[Haven123]

Haha. You are right. What's wrong with the truth (or at least part of it)? "Guys I am having a wonderful time and will be here for another 2 weeks. Deal with it!

Haha. My mom will see right through that. And I will get grief. She's a frickin ex-shrink. It's way better if I just go different places every quarter for 3-5 weeks. And stick to my dep and return dates. It's been working for a few years now and I'm not going to try to fix what is working so far.

All of a sudden, I don't come back and it will raise too many red flags. Will have to wait now until Oct or even Jan, sadly to return here as I have trips booked through August. But, small investment (non profit from my end or just return of principal and let the bird free after it learns to fly)kind of idea maybe a good one to think about, not now but in the medium term. Need to chat with Mr Ent if I decide to do that. That girl in Isaan may be worth backing for a little kiosk shop ( rent starts at $500/ month for a small kiosk) . Well she wants to open a salon in Udon Thani or sakhon Nakom but that's a dumb idea with too many labor mangement issues and difficult to scale. Maybe in Central Festival mall, start with a kiosk. I see some gaps in there that could be potential opening. But both total gross revenues and absolute $ return will be be bupkas, but so will total $ invested as well. As low as $15 k ( with 1 yr prepaid rent) and maybe $25 k purely as an experiment for a multiple kiosk operation to experiment with intra mall locatioms and merchandise, with statistically valid retail experimentation. Don't worry. I'm about as close you can get to a human computer emotionally. This has zero to do with relationship or feelings of any kind. My feelings are always fleeting and transitory. Pure sociology experiment....

But, then I don't want to be tied down with some frickin business, cause I absolutely will not accept anything but some level of success. When I get into something like that I will be 100 pc intense and go into don't take any prisoners mode, from a business standpoint, even if just a sociology experiment. So that is the mental and rational barrier. Why complicate an easy, peaceful and calm lifestyle. No hurry, no worries. But always thinking.....and have been noodling this kind of experiment now also for another similar sociology expeiment in Lima, Peru.

( and please I don't wanna get blowback on this post from others cause as I said earlier people who know me, including ex and family all say I have no feelings and think purely like a computer ( well they mean devoid of feelings ) ). So, no need to caution me or anyone thinking I am trying to rescue a girl or doing some great deed....just as a sociology experiment purely for my own enlightened selfishness ( as Ayn Rand may say) and self actualization need in the Maslows hierarchy.

[Haven123]

Don't do all of those gel packs in one go! LOL.

Great to hear you are having such an awesome time, my friend. I also always hit my stride before I leave too. Sad indeed.

But why not stay? Some cockamamie excuse can always be thought up for the family. Tell them you are investigating into some investment opportunities there or some such nonsense. It will buy you another couple of weeks in paradise. Pity to leave if you have the moolah and the time.

Really? Are you sure? Only 1 at a time?? ROFLMAO!!

And on the other. No can do! Not my MO. Besides one thing like that leads to another and another. Too much work to make shit up. And cover your tracks. Life is easier when I stick to my MO. Straight up. But I may not tell everything because I don't talk about my private life is what I say. And leave it at that. Anyways YMMV.

[Uncle Volodya]

Too TRUE. You can think of something to tell them. Even the truth, "having a wonderful time, I'm not coming back". The whole world already thinks they know what you are up to anyway.

Haha. You are right. What's wrong with the truth (or at least part of it)? "Guys I am having a wonderful time and will be here for another 2 weeks. Deal with it!

[Crazy4Thai]

Don't do all of those gel packs in one go! LOL.

Great to hear you are having such an awesome time, my friend. I also always hit my stride before I leave too. Sad indeed.

But why not stay? Some cockamamie excuse can always be thought up for the family. Tell them you are investigating into some investment opportunities there or some such nonsense. It will buy you another couple of weeks in paradise. Pity to leave if you have the moolah and the time.

Too TRUE. You can think of something to tell them. Even the truth, "having a wonderful time, I'm not coming back". The whole world already thinks they know what you are up to anyway.