Bad news

[P&G]

Korat seems to be a place to watch. The Chinese are building a high speed train there. Venture capitalists are keen to build a world class race track and other developments. More jobs and money. Interesting to watch.

Where have you been now ?

[George Pill]

Only Bangkok and Pattaya. Next year I'm considering Chiangmai, Seam Reap, and possibly Vietnam. All from Bangkok as my base. Will have to start planning to travel lighter and leave most of my luggage in a Bangkok hotel. Still like Pattaya Beach. Everything you could wish for is there in one place. Except the smog. Sunbathing under a hazy sky is not good. Right now I'm seeing lots of white Europeans checking in for the Christmas holidays for some warmth. Massage parlors are packed and so are the bars. Utapao Airport is nearby. In case of another unexpected coup get out through this airport. My luck has increased very nicely. A new Kat every night if my horniness keeps up. Beachwalk is still a mess, but the work progresses rapidly. Amazed how much work has been finished without the fancy heavy equipment and excessive manpower of American construction techniques. American unions mess things up, slows deadlines, and employs too many people. Will return to Bangkok soon after the New Year's celebration and visit Bumrungrad for a minor skin cyst removal and inquire if they perform neurolytic ablation for my lumbar back pain. Just had this procedure done before I arrived in Thailand, and it works good. Trouble is I have to visit my anesthesiologist then get my insurance approval then make an appointment for this outpatient procedure one or two months later. Waste time and money. At Bumrungrad I just ask the front desk for back pain doctors and they tell me what floor to go up to. Must bring your passport to register for a membership card which I think is a great thing to have any time your in Thailand. I did receive a shoulder joint Triamcinolone injection last November. I liked that I could see a pain doctor then go to another floor and get the procedure done by a friendly young doctor. Love how the Thais are so appreciative of our business ed hen it should be the other way around. Another nice thing is I didn't have to pay first. They directed me to a billing desk which is on every floor and lo presented my total which I happily paid. It was pretty low. Now I will take thus bill and give it to my hotel Hawaii insurance company. I did check beforehand. My insurer does accept Bumrungrad Hospital charges. Even if they don't reimburse me for a portion of the small bill I wouldn't mind. The service is the best I've ever experienced from a hospital. So efficient and sincere staff. AAAAA hospital. Glad 60 Minutes aired a report about them a few years ago. Only About a mile from Nana Entertainment Plaza. Take a scooter taxi to avoid the heavy traffic pollution. Only B60 plus a tip.

[George Pill]

Had a little lo e problem at Krugsri Bank yesterday. Tried to change ten C-notes, but the girl said they were unacceptable. I am not supposed to STAPLE the bills together. They don't like holes. Luckily a male staffer decided to help me and converted them. So do NOT staple your bills. Another advice is to sign your traveler's checks exactly the same way you did on your passport. Yep. Write it with your middle name in full. No abbreviations. I do prefer TC because I can convert $1000. If I use the ATM I can get only B20,000. Versus B29,000 from a $1000 TC. ATM is fast. TC is slower . And greenbacks us fastest with no B300 service charge.

[Rockheart]

I give the US banknotes they reject to the ladyboys or bars. They are happy to get them. I'm sure they can convert it.
They have to be perfect at all the exchanges I have tried in Thailand. They don't seem to be as picky with Canadian dollars.
I guess Canuck bucks are not often used for international crimes.

[outlander5]

I've had a canadian $100 be decline at T&T which has the best rate in Pattaya, took it over to the Bangkok bank and no problem just lost 50 baht with the lower exchange!

[Guest]

George, do you mean the Blue Dragon on Soi 8? If so it's "death" has been a long dragged out affair. That said, I think it is very premature to think the "Katoey business" is on its way out. I was chatting with a buddy of mine the other day and he says Soi Buakhao (Fantasy Lounge and NidCha) have lots of ladies. Why not take a look and, since it's in the neighbourhood, take a nice leisurely stroll up Soi Pothole. I'm sure that would prove most “interesting.” Give it a go and report back...not that I'm putting you on the spot or anything 555. Cheers and enjoy your trip.