Pattaya Reports

[QUOTE=Yujin;1419510]I recently heard of this ATM scam on the radio. On newer ATMs, cards will automatically eject. On older ATMs, you have to press an eject button to get your card back. On these older ATMs, scammers are tampering with the eject button with some kind of glue to disable it. When the frustrated customer leaves without his card, the scammers are somehow able to dissolve or bypass the glue and eject the card out. If the customer lingers too long, the ATM will automatically keep the card so the scammers will sometimes try to get the customer to leave. Most of the older ATMs are at non-bank locations like 7-11 stores.[/QUOTE]In Bangkok can't dispute but in Pattaya I have never had a problem with using any ATM outside a 7/11,

Except one! All the ATM in Pattaya 7/11 are machines owned and operated by major Banks like Siam, or.

Bangkok Bank. Many of the 7/11 have camera's outside their stores and whenever using them I look up to see if there is a camera behind me and I always ask anyone including Thai can you step back a little so I

Do my transaction.

Beginning of this year I was on Soi Buakhao using a ATM outside of a 7/11, did my usually checking out my surroundings. Place my card inside placed my pin then I noticed and felt as my money was being.

Dispensed a guy Mid-Eastern standing close to my right, too closed, I look over and he had a Visa card

And ask me a question about whether he could use in but I never turn fully and then I felt a guy on my

Left, if I had not turn in time he would have grabbed the dispense money and took off but I placed my

Left hand over the dispenser the guy backed off quickly and when I turn to my right the guy had taken

Off? I quickly walked away put my stuff away and got on my motorbike and follow him from behind then I pull in front of him and got off my bike and told him nice try MF, I don't forget a face so you better

Remember to always look over your shoulder because the next time I see you I'll either put a bullet in

Head or completely cut it off for a Soi dog to lick! Lots of B. S. Going on here in Pattaya enjoy but never

Let your guard down?

LBM

[QUOTE=Csun213; 1419116]Thanks, it is just that I am traveling with a couple of friends who have not been to Thailand before and since I was in Thailand a few years ago, they are depending on me for all these information. This is why I keep asking questions here so that I will not have any problems when we arrive.

Not sure if it makes any difference but we plan on changing $US 2000 each when we arrive and will probably do it all at once, hopefully it will last us for the 9 days were are there.[/QUOTE]Csun 213,

Thailand is the fastest place in the world to change USD most money Charger are own by major bank and they are all over Pattaya, just at Beach road there must be over 30 money charger and rate change every day sometime 2-3 time a day, I never change more than I need 1-200 USD at a time and Mr enternational is right you worry too damn much you should worry about finding girl not the little thing like a little old lady.

Fast Eddie 48

[QUOTE=Crazy4Thai;1419476]I exchanged more than $1000 US at one of the popular good rate places in BKK once. From there I went to Big C to look for some clothes. There was a man who apparently was keeping close tabs on me. I assumed he was plain clothes store security. I left not because of him but because I did not find what I wanted. Down a level and far away from Big C I was in small clothing shop setup in an open space with no walls. I turned around and the same guy was within 5 feet of me. I believe that he was a pickpocket who had followed me from the exchange place. Stay sharp.[/QUOTE]Crazy4Thai,

I think that is Everrich money charger near big C in Bangkok they do offer very good rate for larger amount of USD, yes that is another reason I only change small amount at a time rate change it is not save to carry alot of money around just change as you need.

Fast Eddie 48

[QUOTE=Fast Eddie 48; 1419735]Crazy4Thai,

I think that is Everrich money charger near big C in Bangkok they do offer very good rate for larger amount of USD, yes that is another reason I only change small amount at a time rate change it is not save to carry alot of money around just change as you need.

Fast Eddie 48[/QUOTE]Wear cargo shorts with zippered pockets or button down flaps, or even velcro pocket flaps do the trick. Makes it harder for them to get their hands in your pockets. I divide my money up; small bills in one area, baht together in another, big bills may even go inside my sock. The bigger bill you exchange, the better rate you get. In the long run, the girls are going to get the money anyway.

Hi guys, I want to join the money discussion since I am going to Pattaya soon for the first time, so apparently most of you prefer to keep the money in the hotel safe, of course I always do that in Europe but there are 2 things :

1- in Europe I don't bring the ladies to the hotel, while in Pattaya I will be seen from the hotel staff taking a lady to my room everyday.

2- in Europe the hotel staff get paid well so its not worth it to risk loosing their jobs for a few thousands dollars, while in Pattaya comparing to the hotel staff salaries a few thousands dollars mean something.

I am not saying that taking the money in your pocket will be a smart thing, but its more like I am taking your opinion if leaving a few thousands dollars in a hotel room in Pattaya while the hotel staff knows that you are here to monger is the safest way to survive in Pattaya?

[QUOTE=Nixonbd;1419819]Wear cargo shorts with zippered pockets or button down flaps, or even velcro pocket flaps do the trick. Makes it harder for them to get their hands in your pockets. I divide my money up; small bills in one area, baht together in another, big bills may even go inside my sock. The bigger bill you exchange, the better rate you get. In the long run, the girls are going to get the money anyway.[/QUOTE]I swear by cargo trousers. I'm currently looking for one with pockets large enough to contain an ipad. No luck yet.

[QUOTE=Turgid;1419833]I swear by cargo trousers. I'm currently looking for one with pockets large enough to contain an ipad. No luck yet.[/QUOTE]Have some made when you get there. It will be cheaper than off the rack anyway.

[quote=nixonbd;1419819]wear cargo shorts with zippered pockets or button down flaps, or even velcro pocket flaps do the trick. makes it harder for them to get their hands in your pockets.[/quote]in thailand, the only time i got pickpocket was when i wore cargo pants. the thigh pockets had velcro and buttons, but that didn't stop the pickpocket. it happened in a crowded club which was wall-to-wall people so i was constantly being bumped into so i didn't feel anything unusual. since i wasn't moving around much, i was an easy target since cargo pants are baggy and the thigh pockets are also baggy so it was fairly easy for a nimble finger pickpocket to bypass the velcro, unbutton the pocket flap, and lift my wallet.

several years ago, i was in quito, ecuador sitting outside of a club when i saw a guy wearing cargo pants get surrounded by kids selling candy. two kids shoved bags of candy in his stomach to block his view while another kid went for his cargo thigh pocket. in less than 10 seconds, the kids rep001tered with whatever the guy had in his pocket (i think they got his camera and cell phone).

unless your cargo pants has a hidden inside zipper pocket, i wouldn't put anything of value in the pockets. whenever i wear cargo pants, i only use the thigh pocket to carry a bottle of water. for anything of value, i use an eagle creek hidden pocket:

[url]http://www.amazon.com/eagle-creek-travel-undercover-hidden/dp/b0054ih9uc/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=utf8&qid=1367986498&sr=1-1&keywords=eagle[/url]

+creek+hidden+pocket

[QUOTE=Mr Enternational;1419885]Have some made when you get there. It will be cheaper than off the rack anyway.[/QUOTE]Any suggestions where they can make these pants?

[QUOTE=Rodwint2;1419902]Any suggestions where they can make these pants?[/QUOTE]Any tailor could do that. There are 12 on every corner. Design it yourself or have them design it for you. You might look like a ******* with a 12 inch pocket on your shorts, but it can be done.

[QUOTE=GoldenTiger; 1419827]Hi guys, I want to join the money discussion since I am going to Pattaya soon for the first time, so apparently most of you prefer to keep the money in the hotel safe, of course I always do that in Europe but there are 2 things :

1- in Europe I don't bring the ladies to the hotel, while in Pattaya I will be seen from the hotel staff taking a lady to my room everyday.

2- in Europe the hotel staff get paid well so its not worth it to risk loosing their jobs for a few thousands dollars, while in Pattaya comparing to the hotel staff salaries a few thousands dollars mean something.

I am not saying that taking the money in your pocket will be a smart thing, but its more like I am taking your opinion if leaving a few thousands dollars in a hotel room in Pattaya while the hotel staff knows that you are here to monger is the safest way to survive in Pattaya?[/QUOTE]I have been to Pattaya and number of times and always keep the valuables I. E. Cash, cards etc in the hotel safe. It has never ever been touched. I feel the hotel management is particular in that sense because it is a matter of reputation but guess it also depends on the type of hotel you are staying. If somebody is putting up in a 300 THB per day room then definately it will be risky.

[QUOTE=Yujin;1419901]In Thailand, the only time I got pickpocket was when I wore cargo pants. The thigh pockets had Velcro and buttons, but that didn't stop the pickpocket.[/QUOTE]I second that. Mine had just a button and it happened on a Pattaya Baht bus. She got my passport and $300 US. I had just arrived from BKK and had a carryon bag between my knees. I cannot tell you the hassle it was to lose my passport and it was expensive to get a new one. My current form of security is a zippered pouch on a nylon strap around my neck inside my shirt. When I'm on my way to the hotel safe. I caught a guy in the act once while standing room only on a crowded bus in Mazatlan. I was wearing tight jeans and he had his hand all the way inside my right front pocket where I had my money in a money clip. I did not feel a thing until I turned 180 degrees to tell my GF that our stop was coming up. He removed his hand and pretended like he wasn't there. I did not confront him as I did not feel safe there anyway.

[QUOTE=GoldenTiger; 1419827]Hi guys, I want to join the money discussion since I am going to Pattaya soon for the first time, so apparently most of you prefer to keep the money in the hotel safe, of course I always do that in Europe but there are 2 things :

1- in Europe I don't bring the ladies to the hotel, while in Pattaya I will be seen from the hotel staff taking a lady to my room everyday.

2- in Europe the hotel staff get paid well so its not worth it to risk loosing their jobs for a few thousands dollars, while in Pattaya comparing to the hotel staff salaries a few thousands dollars mean something.

I am not saying that taking the money in your pocket will be a smart thing, but its more like I am taking your opinion if leaving a few thousands dollars in a hotel room in Pattaya while the hotel staff knows that you are here to monger is the safest way to survive in Pattaya?[/QUOTE]Your money will be safe at the hotel as long as you use the safe!

Change few hundred at a time.

Pick pockets are in most tourist destinations as long as you are careful you should be ok.

I am planning a trip to the land of smiles in June will be taking cash, a friend of mine travels to Pattaya every 3 months and has never had a problem.

Waited till later to walk the beach today. About 8pm. The first girl I talked to was new in Pattaya and didn't speak much English. She had a friend with her that stunk. After a few minutes I left. The next girl I spoke with wanted 800 baht. I got her down to 600. She agreed. So I put my arm around her and noticed she had more mid section than I care for. So I said thank you. Maybe later and walked. The next girl three girls wanted 700 baht. I got two of them down to 500 and the third down to 600. I was here five weeks ago and a lot fewer girls started off at 700. I found a younger one with a big round butt. She wanted 800 and I got her down to 600. Once in the room I pulled out my camera and she freaked out. She didn't want her pictures taken. Not even with clothes on and not even with assurance I wouldn't post them on the internet. Nope, she wasn't having it. I let her out and off she went.

Tinkered around for about an hour and headed out again. The first woman I talked to wanted 800 baht. I liked the way she looked and responded to me. So we agree at 700. But I told her for 700 baht, I want photos. She said ok. Once in the room I pulled out the camera and she turns into a model. Big smiles, lots of poses. Then we clean up and get to business. Lots of enthusiasm, lots of skills, lots of smiles. An all around great time. After, I gave her the 700, she gave me a hug, a kiss and a smile and off she went.

About 1am I met up with some friends of mine and we headed to walking street. They wanted to go bar hopping and I went to Insomnia. It was packed. I did a walk thru and I left. Too crowded. Went to the Hot Tuna, not too good tonight. So I went to the Marine Disco and sat at a table. It was about 2am when all the girls started showing up. Minutes later somebody is dancing up on my leg. I look and it was an older, ugly woman. I just ignored her and she got the message and left. Then one of my buddies shows up. About an hour later he finds a girl. About an hour after that I find a girl. I asked my girl how much. She said 1000 baht. I am used to paying 500 baht on the beach and getting pretty good results. It's about 5am and she is built like I like them. So, ok. 1000. Lets go. Lets just say. Spending more, does not mean you get more. Her oral skills were weak. She couldn't take the pounding either. All in all. One of the weaker performers I've had on this trip. She was my 58th girl on this vacation, so what the heck do I know? She did give me some nice photos.

Yes, I get photos of all my girls. So if anybody is asking to see them I say. Sure! Next time you are in the LA area of Southern California, hit me up. I would love to show you my photo albums. All 15 of them. Have fun, play safe and good luck!

[QUOTE=Nixonbd;1419819]Wear cargo shorts with zippered pockets or button down flaps, or even velcro pocket flaps do the trick. Makes it harder for them to get their hands in your pockets. I divide my money up; small bills in one area, baht together in another, big bills may even go inside my sock. The bigger bill you exchange, the better rate you get. In the long run, the girls are going to get the money anyway.[/QUOTE]Nixonbd,

I also put my 100 USD inside my shoes and my wallet in my front jean pokcet, its better to give your money to the girl than the thief.

Fast Eddie 48