Pattaya Reports

Heard the former Pattaya legend Glitterman has started going out in his attire in London now, had forgot about him.

Got me reminiscing about old Pattaya characters like the kicking lady in Soi 6, the Thai guy who used to hang around in Triangle Bar with tattoos all over his face and had a bird (animal not a woman for the fellow Brits) in a cage, Sharkey, the bouncer at Marine with the huge gold Buddha on a necklace and I always used to see a monger who looked like Gene Simmons on steroids.

Can anyone remember any other characters, probably forgetting a lot.

[QUOTE=Nixonbd;2680035]2. I figure that I will have to stay in a hotel at least one night on arrival to obtain a negative test result, correct?

3. How do I go av=about arranging the 5-day repeat test?..[/QUOTE]For my upcoming trip, I booked a single night "Test & Go" package at a hotel on Agoda. This is required so the hotel can pick you up, do the PCR test and give you the repeat test (you'll upload your result in an app). That said, it's looking like Thailand will be changing the rules again and treating COVID as endemic (search for "scrapping Thailand pass" if the link doesn't come up):

[URL]https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/03/23/calls-for-scrapping-of-thailand-pass-normal-entry/[/URL]

There is a real possibility that there may not be testing needed. They have a four step plan.

[QUOTE=Nixonbd;2680035]I'm considering a return to the LOS from the USA in June or thereabouts. I've have been to the LOS about 10 times pre-covid; BKK and Pattaya. I'm trying to figure out the logistics for a longer stay (30-days) and have a few questions:

1. I'm considering an Airbnb due to the length om my stay. There are some very decent prices, as compared to what a good hotel would cost (usually stay at LK Empress on Beach Road). Are there downsides to Airbnb as far as guests, hidden costs, etc?

2. I figure that I will have to stay in a hotel at least one night on arrival to obtain a negative test result, correct?

3. How do I go av=about arranging the 5-day repeat test?

4. Currently, a negative re-entry test is needed to return to the USA, within 24-hours. How would I go about securing a test leaving BKK?

Thanks for your responses in advance.[/QUOTE]There's a condo I'm currently staying at. They have listings on AirBNB as well. But leasing directly through them will save you a few thousand baht per month, although there's usually 3 k-5 k deposit required. If you're interested, DM me. The condo I'm staying at (The BASE) is costing me 19000 per month. Grand Ave is advertising 15000 per month, and it's only a few minutes walk from The BASE. Fellow ISG member currently staying at Grand Ave tells me he prefers Grand Ave because the condo is slightly bigger. Internet at my place is pretty shitty. The owner has a modem set up that takes a sim card instead of a cable modem. I frequently get 3-5 Mbps. Sometimes, I'll have to use my phone's (AIS-unlimited data) hotspot. Other than that, I love my condo. Has a nice gym and rooftop pool. Separate living space, kitchen (doubles as my office), and bedroom. Also has laundry on the balcony. I ordered room cleaning service for $12 after being here for 2. 5 weeks.

1. The BASE and Grand Ave don't have issues with people bringing guests to their rooms. I think most Pattaya AirBNBs won't have issues with that. But you'd have to confirm with the owner. I had 1 owner on AirBNB say she wasn't comfortable with various ladies walking in and out of their condo in Bangkok.

2. Yes, you will need to book an SHA+ hotel for your first night.

3. I believe you're supposed to download the MorChana app and upload your day 5 test result there.

Coming in June?

Then I would wait until end of Songkran or end of April. Yes they have 4 step plan LOL currently they are in step 2, starting April 1st you need not obtain a PCR test for Thailand Pass prior to your departure to Thailand but of course your airline might? All indication is Songkran is the test if there isn't a huge surge in infection their numbers daily run average 22-25,000 cases a day they seem to be able to live with that number they will move to step 3,4?

Although the general date has been thrown out July 1st is when they plan to end the Pandemic as a Endemic thus will not require any Thailand pass entry will be pre-covid!

Currently one province has already boldly declared they will end the Pandemic April 1st, I haven't heard if this is a April Fool joke or not? There is also a push by the Tourist and Sport Minister to move the date up from July to June 1st. So based on your plans I would wait till first week of May really no hurry since choice of airlines flights are limited and prices especially origination from Thailand round trip 60,000-100,000 just for economy. April 15th, is the planned date to open Taiwan transit that might open up alternatives airlines like Eva and China Air.

[QUOTE=Nixonbd;2680035]
1. I'm considering an Airbnb due to the length om my stay. There are some very decent prices, as compared to what a good hotel would cost (usually stay at LK Empress on Beach Road). Are there downsides to Airbnb as far as guests, hidden costs, etc?[/QUOTE]The downside of airbnb is that there is no daily housekeeping included. Ask your host to provide spare towels and bed sheets. Hidden costs usually not, just ask your host if water and electricity are included in the monthly airbnb price.

Just a tip for those that are relatively new to Pattaya. IMO getting a motorbike is very liberating and beneficial. Instead of relying on a baht bus to take you around, you have the liberty to go where and when you want. If you're staying for a month or longer, renting by the month is much cheaper than by the day or week. It can be as cheap as 1800 baht per month (60 baht per day). The guys I'm renting from have 4. 7 rating from 302 reviews on google (you can google [B]rent motorbike pattaya[/B]. Rent motorbike is the name of their website). They're located in Thap Phraya 12, Pattaya City. I'll know for sure when I return the bike, but they seemed very straight forward and friendly. I wish I got my motorbike sooner. I figured I'd save a little money by walking around and taking the baht bus the first couple weeks. But it's costing me the same whether I rent it 20 days or 30.

[QUOTE=SinfullyKorean;2680304]There's a condo I'm currently staying at. They have listings on AirBNB as well. But leasing directly through them will save you a few thousand baht per month, although there's usually 3 k-5 k deposit required. If you're interested, DM me. The condo I'm staying at (The BASE) is costing me 19000 per month. Grand Ave is advertising 15000 per month, and it's only a few minutes walk from The BASE.[/QUOTE]I saw plenty of new airbnb condos in South Pattaya (Pratamnak, Cozy) for 10/12. 000 baht a month. I love to stay in Pratamnak, very quiet. Distance are not much a problem for me, I always rent motorbike.

[QUOTE=SinfullyKorean;2680315]Just a tip for those that are relatively new to Pattaya. IMO getting a motorbike is very liberating and beneficial. Instead of relying on a baht bus to take you around, you have the liberty to go where and when you want. If you're staying for a month or longer, renting by the month is much cheaper than by the day or week. It can be as cheap as 1800 baht per month (60 baht per day). The guys I'm renting from have 4. 7 rating from 302 reviews on google (you can google [B]rent motorbike pattaya[/B]. Rent motorbike is the name of their website). They're located in Thap Phraya 12, Pattaya City. I'll know for sure when I return the bike, but they seemed very straight forward and friendly. I wish I got my motorbike sooner. I figured I'd save a little money by walking around and taking the baht bus the first couple weeks. But it's costing me the same whether I rent it 20 days or 30.[/QUOTE]Rent a motorbike is the best solution in Pattaya, I can't stay in Pattaya without motorbike. I have a thai driving license and I don't drink alcohol, so no problem for me driving around. 1800 baht per month is a very good price.

[QUOTE=SinfullyKorean;2680315]Just a tip for those that are relatively new to Pattaya. IMO getting a motorbike is very liberating and beneficial. Instead of relying on a baht bus to take you around, you have the liberty to go where and when you want. If you're staying for a month or longer, renting by the month is much cheaper than by the day or week. It can be as cheap as 1800 baht per month (60 baht per day). The guys I'm renting from have 4. 7 rating from 302 reviews on google (you can google [B]rent motorbike pattaya[/B]. Rent motorbike is the name of their website). They're located in Thap Phraya 12, Pattaya City. I'll know for sure when I return the bike, but they seemed very straight forward and friendly. I wish I got my motorbike sooner. I figured I'd save a little money by walking around and taking the baht bus the first couple weeks. But it's costing me the same whether I rent it 20 days or 30.[/QUOTE]Did you need to organize a license or permit to ride in Thailand?

[QUOTE=SinfullyKorean;2680315]Just a tip for those that are relatively new to Pattaya. IMO getting a motorbike is very liberating and beneficial. Instead of relying on a baht bus to take you around, [/QUOTE]Just a warning for those who rent a motorbike. Technically you need a motorbike license in your home country (doubt most of us have this) and an International Driver's Permit (easy to get) to ride a motorbike. Otherwise you need a Thai driver's license like Christian has. You can rent one without even showing a driver's license though. Rental places only want your money.

Always wondered what happens if an improperly licensed tourist kills someone while operating a motorbike. I've seen a Japanese guy who barely knew how to ride a motorbike run over an old Thai lady. Cops were on him like stink.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2680341] You can rent one without even showing a driver's license though. Rental places only want your money.[/QUOTE]In the last years this is not true. Since 2019 I always had to show a regular driving license for rent a motorbike. So there are some regular rental places around.

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;2680305]starting April 1st you need not obtain a PCR test for Thailand Pass prior to your departure to Thailand[/QUOTE]Which makes no sense at all. Do these people think about anything? Travel all the way to Thailand to find out you are positive on arrival? You better take your own test before you go whether it is required or not. Maybe it is their plan to get more positives on arrival.

I just returned from Honduras and the isle of Roatan within the Bay of Islands. There were no test requirements before arrival or upon arrival. The only test I had to take was the standard antigen test to reenter the US. Virtually no one wore masks except the clinician who tested me prior to departure. There were no curfews on the islands either. Contrast that to Thailand.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2680356]Which makes no sense at all. Do these people think about anything? Travel all the way to Thailand to find out you are positive on arrival? You better take your own test before you go whether it is required or not. Maybe it is their plan to get more positives on arrival.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=SinfullyKorean;2680304]Fellow ISG member currently staying at Grand Ave tells me he prefers Grand Ave because the condo is slightly bigger.[/QUOTE]Just saw a YouTube video where Soi 15 in front of Grand Ave. Is about to be completely tore up with new drainage pipes. Knowing how Thai road construction is it will be a mess for some time. Couldn't stay at Grand Ave. Myself. Views are just looking out to another building.

The farang on a bike dressed in yellow full of plume.

The building on beach road with a big crane on top that stop work for years.

The old chick on beach Road dressed like a dancer with tutu e kg of fare on the face.

The old wood pier near the walking street entrance.

The stairs to the marine.

[QUOTE=RioHeart;2680360]Just saw a YouTube video where Soi 15 in front of Grand Ave. Is about to be completely tore up with new drainage pipes. Knowing how Thai road construction is it will be a mess for some time. Couldn't stay at Grand Ave. Myself. Views are just looking out to another building.[/QUOTE]That would be Soi Buakhow 15.

I am not sure about Grand Avenue.