Bangkok Reports

[QUOTE=AlexAlexa;2756812]60 day visa vs 45 plus extension to get you to 60 days.

One requires a Pain in the Butt trip to immigration to get the 60 days. Guess which one. No thank you.

The other one 30 minutes on a computer. This also doesn't require playing around with airline tickets.

Please don't argue when you are incorrecto.

You do know that out of every 100 customers that walk into in a Bar 85% are NOT Barfining. Possibly less, this is an eye ball judgement.[/QUOTE]What's so magic about 60 (exception noted below)? SO, not incorrect: my point IS: it's what you DO in your days here that counts. If you can't get a hit in 45 days, another 15 days isn't going to change your [I]batting[/I] average all that much.

Besides, I have a tourist visa from the consulate, the 45 days announced after I'd applied. Took two calendar weeks to approve (but there were a couple of holidays in there). Not like the in-and-out same day approval walk-in precovid. And I thought some of the requirements here a bit bothersome (and stupid), as in paid accommodation reservations for the FULL stay, along with incoming and outgoing plane tickets. But, not THAT big a problem. But I won't be using the full 60, not even close. That Aussie visa? That's all of 10 minutes, including approval.

And it certainly depends on your interests. I really DON'T see the attraction of flying long to sit in a bar, night after night, gawking at girls, trying to score. Or walking down Thaniya Road gawking at girls trying to strike up a conversation. I know, I know, she's really NOT that attractive, that one is run-of-the-mill; we call it sour grapes. 28 days agogos? Your eyeballs must get tired from overuse, but methinks that's the only 'balls being used. And no, I have no idea of pull percentages [S]...[/S]I only care about MY batting average.

Myself, I want IN the game, not riding the pine. And after 9 innings, couple of weeks, then travel. Lot to see and do in this part of the world. Out to DMK, and had the pleasure of visiting Myanmar several times (glad I went, have some good friends there, CRIME what's happening now). Cambodia. Angkor Wat a MUST see, and in Phnom Penh there is some action along with the sights. Laos, Luang Prabang a world heritage site, and of course Vientiane. And of course KL, though it seems the Beach Club (an Asian smorgasbord) is no more. Point is, more to life, at least for some, than spending weeks in a bar. Just easier to fly, hike, and return. After almost 30 years coming to Thailand, yea, it's been that long, surprised the hell out of me when I thought about it, because it doesn't seem that long, I've been to a [I]few[/I] bars, [I]some[/I] MPs, a couple of clubs, a bit on the street. Different pitchers, but the game's the same.

Now China, I do take my 60 days, but then again, China's a BIG country with a lot of culture and heritage. Must be why they give you a 10 year multiple entry visa, well pre-covid anyway. Glad I went as often as I did.

[QUOTE=AlexAlexa;2756812]60 day visa vs 45 plus extension to get you to 60 days.

One requires a Pain in the Butt trip to immigration to get the 60 days. Guess which one. No thank you.

The other one 30 minutes on a computer. This also doesn't require playing around with airline [/QUOTE]IMHO, there is validity to what you say in this particular post. It is much easier to get the 60-day Thai E Visa than to get the 45-day passport entry plus extension. But, I'm raising the BS flag on that being only 30 minutes on the computer, I've done it twice and would estimate it will take me 1.5 hours when I do it a third time. There are quite a few files that need to be gathered and submitted in proper form, that takes time. Heck, it took me 30 minutes to get a selfie that the automatic photo review accepted. My guess is a first time E-Visa will need more than 1.5 hours to complete the application.

Regarding not playing around with airline, that is a false statement. You must submit your arrival airline paperwork and planned date of departure.

My first E-visa required 6 days to process. The second required 12 days. If I recall, the price was $40 US.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2756914]What's so magic about 60 (exception noted below)? SO, not incorrect: my point IS: it's what you DO in your days here that counts. If you can't get a hit in 45 days, another 15 days isn't going to change your [I]batting[/I] average all that much.

Besides, I have a tourist visa from the consulate, the 45 days announced after I'd applied. Took two calendar weeks to approve (but there were a couple of holidays in there). Not like the in-and-out same day approval walk-in precovid. And I thought some of the requirements here a bit bothersome (and stupid), as in paid accommodation reservations for the FULL stay, along with incoming and outgoing plane tickets. But, not THAT big a problem. But I won't be using the full 60, not even close. That Aussie visa? That's all of 10 minutes, including approval.

And it certainly depends on your interests. I really DON'T see the attraction of flying long to sit in a bar, night after night, gawking at girls, trying to score. Or walking down Thaniya Road gawking at girls trying to strike up a conversation. I know, I know, she's really NOT that attractive, that one is run-of-the-mill; we call it sour grapes. 28 days agogos? Your eyeballs must get tired from overuse, but methinks that's the only 'balls being used. And no, I have no idea of pull percentages [S]...[/S]I only care about MY batting average.[/QUOTE]I'm not you bro. Hahaha. I want 60 days. On my next trip I'll get another tourist visa and get extension, so I'll have to go to immigration to get total of 90 days.

I just like being in Bangkok. I'm not into Quantity. I've had providers where I've had way over 30 sessions, and not in 30 days.

For me it's way more Fun when the chemistry is there.

Thai and work ethics? I thought the meme was Thai in general are lazy. Haha. Corruption does that.

Bum Hospital does run efficient so there are always exceptions.

[QUOTE=Shockman;2756775]The couple of New Years I spent in BKK were good and I'll be back after a good 20 years. As I furiously research my trip, I'm realizing that not much has changed (swapped CM2 at Novotel Siam Square for today's hotspot, massage and gogo scene unchanged, Thermae and Biergarten (sp?) still going strong, Grace Hotel still seems to attract "Russians" (I've mongered in Russia and know they're not), and overall a barrel of monkeys.

Got to give props for the wealth of information I've found RTFF'ing at ISG and I will share my experiences. Some kind soul had posted a link from a Japanese blogger which I found to be a rich vein of incredibly good information.

The days when girls would just say "what you wish" when you talked about money seem to be long gone and I do not think that I'll get "wifed up" like I used to for 4-week like I used to (She came to see me off and I ended up cancelling and rescheduling because of her genuine tears. Them were the days![/QUOTE]One of my fondest Thai sayings, "Same, same, but different". Unfortunately some things are not replaceable: the previous Thermae, 2 rooms as I recall, one with low ceiling, after 1:00, a Star Wars bar come to life. The current one rather pristine in comparison. Annies, the soapy, closed; hope Aey is doing well. I'll have to see about the Biergarten. Used to be a [I]good[/I] place, but then became a bit [I]sparse[/I] last time I was there, 2019. Back then, Soi Cowboy more fun than Nana. Yes, those LT preferred days long gone, quite a bit more mercenary as I've heard. You probably remember the BST, before sky train; now it's BTS and saying sky train denotes your age. And there's a Metro. Typical TIT (you do remember Trink), tickets on one DON'T work on the other at least in 2019. I'd get the Rabbit card for BTS, the Metro card for the Metro. Beats having to have the change or standing in line to get some coins. Charge them up, work them off. Nicely, if they go to a new card, they read the old card and transfer the balance, thank you very much when you come back. Taxi's are all metered now. Bring a lunch for Suvarnabhumi Airport. It's linear, and you can walk a good. 75 clicks there. Further from town. I preferred Don Mueang, more "compact" and close. But it's still Thailand [S]...[/S].

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2756914]
And I thought some of the requirements here a bit bothersome (and stupid), as in paid accommodation reservations for the FULL stay, along with incoming and outgoing plane tickets. But, not THAT big a problem. But I won't be using the full 60, not even close.
[/QUOTE]Months ago the accommodations had to be paid through the 2nd COVID test, I think that was just 5 days. Now it is just proof of accommodations, not specific for duration. I submitted my first hotel, which was a 4-day reservation that will be paid on my arrival. When I did my second Visa application, they only requested airline arrival information and expected departure date. No specific departure data required.

Still requires sign the declaration, passport photo, photo holding passport, selfie, proof of funds, and proof of residency. Maybe some other stuff that I can't remember at the moment. It does take some time to gather and submit.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2756916]IMHO, there is validity to what you say in this particular post. It is much easier to get the 60-day Thai E Visa than to get the 45-day passport entry plus extension. But, I'm raising the BS flag on that being only 30 minutes on the computer, I've done it twice and would estimate it will take me 1.5 hours when I do it a third time. There are quite a few files that need to be gathered and submitted in proper form, that takes time. Heck, it took me 30 minutes to get a selfie that the automatic photo review accepted. My guess is a first time E-Visa will need more than 1.5 hours to complete the application.

Regarding not playing around with airline, that is a false statement. You must submit your arrival airline paperwork and planned date of departure.

My first E-visa required 6 days to process. The second required 12 days. If I recall, the price was $40 US.[/QUOTE]When I mean no airline games I mean at check in.

To get Visa airline reservation is required. Just buy a ticket on Expedia, get confirmation then cancel. Not hard.

Same with Hostel reservation. Buy on Expedia 30 days for $150 hahaha. They even have option to pay when check in so no transaction on credit card at all. Cancel once you have confirm. Not hard.

When I say 30 minutes that's assuming you have all your Ducks lined up.

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2756916]IMHO, there is validity to what you say in this particular post. It is much easier to get the 60-day Thai E Visa than to get the 45-day passport entry plus extension. But, I'm raising the BS flag on that being only 30 minutes on the computer, I've done it twice and would estimate it will take me 1.5 hours when I do it a third time. There are quite a few files that need to be gathered and submitted in proper form, that takes time. Heck, it took me 30 minutes to get a selfie that the automatic photo review accepted. My guess is a first time E-Visa will need more than 1.5 hours to complete the application.

Regarding not playing around with airline, that is a false statement. You must submit your arrival airline paperwork and planned date of departure.

My first E-visa required 6 days to process. The second required 12 days. If I recall, the price was $40 US.[/QUOTE]Consulate website said 15 [b]business[/b] days to process, no expedited method. Like I posted, mine came faster, but you never know. Requirement for hotel reservations for full time between arrival and departure (and I confirmed that via e-mail with the consulate, as in I asked if I was going to travel around but not certain where, response was fine, full itinerary first, then apply; TIT), or, get an invitation letter. And yes, the photo that was good enough to use for my PASSPORT was rejected several times as not having an acceptable complexion (think their software needs some tweaking, or it could be my blinding [I]brilliance[/I]). Luckily, the photo of me holding my passport passed the first time.

My point, if you don't need the extra 15 days, go for on-arrival. And mine is a single entry, so personally, if I was staying longer, I'd take the [I]opportunity[/I] to pop over to another country, tool around there for awhile, then come back. Then you're talking 90 (though I'll admit I don't know if there is any [I]gap[/I] requirement between 2 consecutive visits). Confirm $40 USD. Proof of residence and proof of residence within consulate's service area (2 different uploads).

PS: Lesson learned the hard way: if your return ticket has a date past the visa expiration date, the incoming airline doesn't let you on the plane UNLESS you have a CONFIRMED reservation out to that [i]intermediate[/i] country. They want to see a departure ticket within the visa limit.

[QUOTE=AlexAlexa;2756812]60 day visa vs 45 plus extension to get you to 60 days.
One requires a Pain in the Butt trip to immigration to get the 60 days. Guess which one. No thank you.
The other one 30 minutes on a computer. This also doesn't require playing around with airline tickets.
[/QUOTE]Agree. I'm planning to be in the kingdom 58 days, easier to get a 60-day tourist visa online before leaving for $40. No wasted time at immigration.

I used lo love staying around Nana but switched to soi cowboy before settling for a good long while at Giotto's place on Soi 33, the livingstone lodge. Loved the man and his place.

Thanks for the intel on the transport. Years of gazing at the unfinished airport line, I see, have borne fruit. It is now a no-brainer for me to take to my hotel neat Asoke and yes, all my planning centers around the whole metro system. Never dealt with cards before but will do so now.

Can not wait.

[QUOTE=11Bravo;2756920]One of my fondest Thai sayings, "Same, same, but different". Unfortunately some things are not replaceable: the previous Thermae, 2 rooms as I recall, one with low ceiling, after 1:00, a Star Wars bar come to life. The current one rather pristine in comparison. Annies, the soapy, closed; hope Aey is doing well. I'll have to see about the Biergarten. Used to be a [I]good[/I] place, but then became a bit [I]sparse[/I] last time I was there, 2019. Back then, Soi Cowboy more fun than Nana. Yes, those LT preferred days long gone, quite a bit more mercenary as I've heard. You probably remember the BST, before sky train; now it's BTS and saying sky train denotes your age. And there's a Metro. Typical TIT (you do remember Trink), tickets on one DON'T work on the other at least in 2019. I'd get the Rabbit card for BTS, the Metro card for the Metro. Beats having to have the change or standing in line to get some coins. Charge them up, work them off. Nicely, if they go to a new card, they read the old card and transfer the balance, thank you very much when you come back. Taxi's are all metered now. Bring a lunch for Suvarnabhumi Airport. It's linear, and you can walk a good. 75 clicks there. Further from town. I preferred Don Mueang, more "compact" and close. But it's still Thailand [S]...[/S].[/QUOTE]

So on Friday I was walking to Nana after coming from Chrome Bar around 9 PM and I was crossing Sukhumvit towards the plaza until I saw 2 Arab or most likely EE girls provocatively dresses walking back the way I came. They were both gorgeous and both had amazing asses. I turned around a followed them and they entered this elevator entrance with 3 Arab dudes by the entrance. Didn't go and follow them since I'm sure they would stop me. I tried going into the elevator on Saturday afternoon but the elevator wasn't working. But I saw it later in the evening working and 2 of the same Arab guys by the entrance. It's across the street from Nana Square and you can't miss the gold tint of the entrance. Could be something or could be nothing, if a seasoned fellow would like to give it try be my guest.

Thai Industrious. Or not. POLL.

With govt encouraging use of Marijuana. That what legalization means.

Will Thais.

1. Become more industrious and do things like never before.

2. No Change.

3. Potatoes chips sales will go way up and so will television viewership. Hahaha.

[QUOTE=AlexAlexa;2756923]When I mean no airline games I mean at check in.

To get Visa airline reservation is required. Just buy a ticket on Expedia, get confirmation then cancel. Not hard.

Same with Hostel reservation. Buy on Expedia 30 days for $150 hahaha. They even have option to pay when check in so no transaction on credit card at all. Cancel once you have confirm. Not hard.

When I say 30 minutes that's assuming you have all your Ducks lined up.[/QUOTE]We do agree on something hahaha.

That's why the requirements are so ridiculous, so easy to spoof. Just look for the no-fee-on-cancellation bookings for hotel and of course you will be staying 60 days in that 8 bed male room. For airlines? What, you will buy a visa and NOT go? They get $40 either way. And why worry about outbound? Airline check-in for your arrival flight checks onward ticket before allowing you to board. And 15 [B]business days[/B] processing? What, they have to check with Thailand itself, especially when, pre-covid, they could provide the 60 day visa same day, no extra fee. Walk in by 10:00 with paperwork, come back at 14:00 to pickup. Yes, you did have to supply 2 hardcopy photos. I don't remember having to supply any airline info, but could be wrong since it was such a slam-dunk to get the visa.

If Thailand wants to encourage tourism, which seems they do, thus the change to 45 from 30 on-arrival, they should invest in a mobile app like Australia. Australian ETA. Talk about easy. In the app, take a picture of your passport. Photo accepted. Use your phone's reader to read the digital info from the passport. Accepted. Take a selfie, guidance provided in the app (too high, too low, too far). Accepted. Answer a few questions in the app. Enter credit card info, about $12 USD. 5 minute process, within MINUTES accepted and you now have a [B]1 year, multiple entry visa, each visit 90 days[/B]. No hotel reservation requirement, no airline ticket requirement. No legal resident / resident within consulate's service area requirements. Now THAT encourages tourism.

And when China was open, first time visa, 1 year, multiple entries, 60 day stays. Next time you apply, 10 year, multiple entries, 60 day stays. Same price. Was $140USD. Again, that encourages tourism.

And I certainly remember, when departing Thailand, the immigration officer doing a quick calculation for overstaying. And I do remember seeing some passengers being directed to [i]that office[/i] to sort things out, pay the fines. If you want to encourage tourism, and over the past 2 years, it's been extremely hard for those in that industry to survive - no govt help, I'd say, it should be "Come on down[s]...[/s]"

But hey, not my country.

[QUOTE=Shockman;2756956]I used lo love staying around Nana but switched to soi cowboy before settling for a good long while at Giotto's place on Soi 33, the livingstone lodge. Loved the man and his place.

Thanks for the intel on the transport. Years of gazing at the unfinished airport line, I see, have borne fruit. It is now a no-brainer for me to take to my hotel neat Asoke and yes, all my planning centers around the whole metro system. Never dealt with cards before but will do so now.

Can not wait.[/QUOTE]Check the hours, google says they run from 5:30 to 00:00

[url]https://bangkokairporttrain.com/timetable/[/url]

And of course you HAVE to take at least one e-ticket ride: motorbike taxi, just keep those knees tucked in.

So landed in Bangkok on Thursday night and was running on fumes after being up and traveling for pretty much 24 hours. I convert some money at the super rich all the way down on the bottom level which sucked for me. Headed out to grab a taxi and I had already read MaxBkk report #51725 about the taxi but me being too tired agreed to 500 Baht. It wasn't until I saw red analog numbers of the meter being hidden behind a small towel did I realize my folly. Got to my hotel and took a nice shower and ate my club sandwich that I ordered. Downed a Red Bull then walked to Nana Plaza which was 10 minutes away and just checked out the mentioned spots. I sat in most of the Rainbow bars and saw some girls I liked. But wasn't too sure if 3000 Baht for ST was reasonable so I left. Headed to Soi Cowboy and went to Chrome Bar as previously mentioned here. As Toppers report #52220 mentioned I went across to another bar to pick a girl and then back to Chrome. Rates are 1500 Baht for an hour and got a nice nuru from a lady named Som but unfortunately couldn't cum as I was way to tired. Headed back to Nana and back into Rainbow 4 and tried to see if one of the girls I liked was still there but no dice. Headed back to the hotel and passed out. Day 2 & 3 will be up later.

Arrive in BKK tomorrow. Been to Thailand many times but never visited Thermae.

According to the maps it is on the main road near Soi 15 at Ruamchitt Plaza Hotel. But is it part of the hotel, next door, or nearby?

[QUOTE=Zeyto;2757067]So landed in Bangkok on Thursday night and was running on fumes after being up and traveling for pretty much 24 hours. I convert some money at the super rich all the way down on the bottom level which sucked for me. Headed out to grab a taxi and I had already read MaxBkk report #51725 about the taxi but me being too tired agreed to 500 Baht. It wasn't until I saw red analog numbers of the meter being hidden behind a small towel did I realize my folly. Got to my hotel and took a nice shower and ate my club sandwich that I ordered. Downed a Red Bull then walked to Nana Plaza which was 10 minutes away and just checked out the mentioned spots. I sat in most of the Rainbow bars and saw some girls I liked. But wasn't too sure if 3000 Baht for ST was reasonable so I left. Headed to Soi Cowboy and went to Chrome Bar as previously mentioned here. As Toppers report #52220 mentioned I went across to another bar to pick a girl and then back to Chrome. Rates are 1500 Baht for an hour and got a nice nuru from a lady named Som but unfortunately couldn't cum as I was way to tired. Headed back to Nana and back into Rainbow 4 and tried to see if one of the girls I liked was still there but no dice. Headed back to the hotel and passed out. Day 2 & 3 will be up later.[/QUOTE]Alright a Rainbow 4 fan. Can't wait for more reports.