Bangkok Reports

[QUOTE=Retired Army]The truth is: I have lived in Sub-Saharan Africa, am very familiar with the sexual practices in that part of the world and I know that AIDS is out of control. Call me paranoid, but I aint' taking any chances. I know that the Thai government cracked down on the "visitors" from West Africa in recent years, so it's likely you haven't see any in Eden for a while. Last time I went to Eden, there were two West African "clients" who were going to do two girls on the left side of the line together (a foursome). It ain't racism, it;s a matter of statistics and common sense.[/QUOTE]

Kind of figured thats what it was about. Dont blame you really.

So what's the Aids/HIV state of Thailand now? Must be pretty bad with such an above average prostitution figure? Maybe I dont want to know this is!!

Johnthe scot

[QUOTE=Johnthescot]
So what's the Aids/HIV state of Thailand now? Must be pretty bad with such an above average prostitution figure? Maybe I dont want to know this is!!
[/QUOTE]

According to the list compiled and posted on Wikipedia, the top 30 countries in the world in terms of rates are in sub-Saharan Africa.

1 Swaziland 38.8%
2 Botswana 37.3
3 Lesotho 28.9
4 Zimbabwe 24.6
5 South Africa 21.5
6 Namibia 21.3
7 Zambia 16.5
8 Malawi 14.2
9 Cent Afr Rep 13.5
10 Mozambique 13.2
11 Guinea-Bissau 10
12 Tanzania 8.8
13 Gabon 8.1
14 Cote d'Ivoire 7
15 Sierra Leone 7
16 Cameroon 6.9
17 Kenya 6.7
18 Burundi 6
19 Liberia 5.9
21 Nigeria 5.6
22 Rwanda 5.1
23 Rep of Congo 4.9
24 Chad 4.8
25 Ethiopia 4.4
26 Dem Rep Congo 4.2
27 Burkina Faso 4.2
28 Togo 4.1
29 Uganda 4.1
30 Angola 3.9

49 Thailand 1.5

To give a better idea of how it works out geographically, look at the attached map -- created by UNAIDS -- shows the horn of Africa cleary as the worst area (maroon color) by far, Thailand in the middle (yellow). Also interesting on the map is that burkas appear to be pretty effective in stopping the spread of AIDS, as does living in a yurt.

[QUOTE=Johnthescot]Guys,

Looking for a new Video camera and portable mp3 speakers. Is Thailand cheaper than UK? Been to Panthip plazza every trip but only to buy DVDs and software (just for backup purposes obviously). Is it worth my while waiting til I get to Bangkok or just buy it in UK first?

thanks

Johnthescot[/QUOTE]

In terms of U.S. Dollars and the Euro items in the UK are extremely expensive. What I've noticed is that items in the UK are the same in Pounds as they are for Dollars. But, the exchange rate is 2 to 1. Since items in Pantip are only slightly more exoensive than what you can get on-line from Amazon.com in the U.S. it appears that you would be saving quite a bit.

[QUOTE=Wendella]To give a better idea of how it works out geographically, look at the attached map -- created by UNAIDS -- shows the horn of Africa cleary as the worst area (maroon color) by far, Thailand in the middle (yellow). Also interesting on the map is that burkas appear to be pretty effective in stopping the spread of AIDS, as does living in a yurt.[/QUOTE]Japan appears to be on the low end of the exposure scale too (probably not so surprising), but it's interesting that the Korean penninsula also appears to have a similar ranking. I can understand the Northern part, given that the subjects of the "Dear Dictator" (or is that "Dear Leader"? ) have so little to eat that they lack energy for other activities. Besides, what SW wants a NK government "monitor" in the room while she's servicing a customer?

As for the rest of the map, it would appear that residency in Greenland offers total innoculation.

[i]Have fun at the Forum[/i] R: R

I am new to this forum. I will be going to Bangkok regularly on business. At the same time I would like to enjoy my time off. Due to meetings etc I have to stay at a top hotel and wondered if anyone on this forum can recommend one around Sukhumvit 33, within walking distance of the best night spots. I am obviously looking for a hotel which is freindly towards taking guests along to the room. I have read all the relevant threads and not been able to find a good answer to my little Q.

Peter

[QUOTE=Retired Army]In terms of U.S. Dollars and the Euro items in the UK are extremely expensive. What I've noticed is that items in the UK are the same in Pounds as they are for Dollars. But, the exchange rate is 2 to 1. Since items in Pantip are only slightly more exoensive than what you can get on-line from Amazon.com in the U.S. it appears that you would be saving quite a bit.[/QUOTE]

Thanks mate

Anyone over there just now and hitting Panthip Plaza soon, can you give me an idea in Baht how much a reasonable Video Camera is. Will buy you a few beers in a gogo of your choice :-)

Cheers

Johnthescot

[QUOTE=Johnthescot]Sounds good, apart from the cost that is.

Would anyone pay B1600 for barfine and B3000 for ST? I get pissed at B600 for barfine and B1500 for ST. Maybe I'm just tight though.

Have any of you guys paid money like that?

I might check it out next week and send a report in so I can get the [url=http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140][CodeWord140][/url] taken out of me for spending B3000 for a shag I could have got for B1500.

Johnthescot[/QUOTE]

John, quality costs more, this is how he described the girl -------

"her English is impeccable. Her conversation skills are also better than any bargirl I've ever met. I'd say she's 9/10 on looks, and a perfect 10 on personality."


In my experience girls like that are VERY hard to find, hence the high price.

[QUOTE=Johnthescot]Thanks mate

Anyone over there just now and hitting Panthip Plaza soon, can you give me an idea in Baht how much a reasonable Video Camera is. Will buy you a few beers in a gogo of your choice :-)

Cheers

Johnthescot[/QUOTE]

I was pricing cameras the last time I was there, and I found that I could find the
"same" camera in the U.S. for less, even after taking out the VAT. By same, I am referring to the model, not counting any warranties.
So, know your prices BEFORE you go.

[QUOTE=Lord Farquard]I was pricing cameras the last time I was there, and I found that I could find the
"same" camera in the U.S. for less, even after taking out the VAT. By same, I am referring to the model, not counting any warranties.
So, know your prices BEFORE you go.[/QUOTE]

Check Amazon for prices to compare.

[QUOTE=Johnthescot]Thanks mate

Anyone over there just now and hitting Panthip Plaza soon, can you give me an idea in Baht how much a reasonable Video Camera is. Will buy you a few beers in a gogo of your choice :-)

Cheers

Johnthescot[/QUOTE]

I never find electronics to be cheaper in Pantip then overseas; however where I live I can not get items so I often do purchase a lot of gear while I am in BKK. But I do not live in a developed country. So your best bet is to purchase at home. Stick to buying the software / dvd / and they do have some decent prices on memory and such but that is about it. But Fortune is generally cheaper then Pantip and has a better selection of certain type of gear. Plus Fortune you can take the MRT to the front doors and avoid the traffic jams or walking over to Pantip. Fortune has a better selection of software then Pantip also.

[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]I never find electronics to be cheaper in Pantip then overseas; however where I live I can not get items so I often do purchase a lot of gear while I am in BKK. But I do not live in a developed country. So your best bet is to purchase at home. Stick to buying the software / dvd / and they do have some decent prices on memory and such but that is about it. But Fortune is generally cheaper then Pantip and has a better selection of certain type of gear. Plus Fortune you can take the MRT to the front doors and avoid the traffic jams or walking over to Pantip. Fortune has a better selection of software then Pantip also.[/QUOTE]

Thanks

Where is Fortune?

Johnthescot

[QUOTE=Johnthescot]Thanks

Where is Fortune?

Johnthescot[/QUOTE]

Grand Mercure Fortune Hotel... there is a shop attached to it.

Take MRT to RAMA 9 exit... Not know where you are or how well you know BKK so I'll dumb this down... Take BTS to Asoke interchange then go down to MRT and take that over to RAMA 9 exit.

Go up and you are at the hotel... Fortune Plaza or shops are night next door to it. Between Fortune Hotel and the Tesco. All one long building all attached to each other.... Before the Thai Cultural MRT exit

Computers are more on 3 /4 floor and software is kind of hidden in the back around the back side of the 3rd or 4th floor. 2nd floor is more cell phones. The more hidden or in the back the software stores are the better the price and better selection I found, the ones at the main walk way will jack you on price.

There was also a place near the Ratchatevi BTS station, I can't remember the name but it had a few stalls open air market but they sourced some difficult to find software for me before that Pantip and Fortune could not supply.

[QUOTE=Tansak KTV]Grand Mercure Fortune Hotel... there is a shop attached to it.

Take MRT to RAMA 9 exit... Not know where you are or how well you know BKK so I'll dumb this down... Take BTS to Asoke interchange then go down to MRT and take that over to RAMA 9 exit.

Go up and you are at the hotel... Fortune Plaza or shops are night next door to it. Between Fortune Hotel and the Tesco. All one long building all attached to each other.... Before the Thai Cultural MRT exit

Computers are more on 3 /4 floor and software is kind of hidden in the back around the back side of the 3rd or 4th floor. 2nd floor is more cell phones. The more hidden or in the back the software stores are the better the price and better selection I found, the ones at the main walk way will jack you on price.

There was also a place near the Ratchatevi BTS station, I can't remember the name but it had a few stalls open air market but they sourced some difficult to find software for me before that Pantip and Fortune could not supply.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

[QUOTE=Johnthescot]Thanks

Where is Fortune?

Johnthescot[/QUOTE]

I've been to Fortune Town for electronics and don't consider it as good as Pantip.

[QUOTE=Peter Lexton]I am new to this forum. I will be going to Bangkok regularly on business. At the same time I would like to enjoy my time off. Due to meetings etc I have to stay at a top hotel and wondered if anyone on this forum can recommend one around Sukhumvit 33, within walking distance of the best night spots. I am obviously looking for a hotel which is freindly towards taking guests along to the room. I have read all the relevant threads and not been able to find a good answer to my little Q.

Peter[/QUOTE]

Peter, you've not been reading enough. Livingstones Lodge has been posted on to the point of spamming, is highly regarded by many members of this forum, and is 100% girl-friendly (the owner, Giotto, is a member of ISG and has his own ISG Section which you can find from the 'forums' tab at the top of the page). The Novotel also used to be popular, but there have been reports of joiner fees recently. May be worth an email to their reservations office if you are thinking about staying there (don't be shy, they get asked all the time).