HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

More tales of baht bus woes

People on Soi Khao Noi should not hold their breath

Experiencing Pattaya’s nightlife

Immigration - a final note

A good job

Loves Pattaya

More tales of baht bus woes

Sir,
I have just returned from Carrefour in Pattaya Klang feeling rather incensed. After spending our average of B5,000 on grocery shopping we endeavored to secure a baht bus home to carry the burden of our shopping which wouldn’t fit on my motorbike.

Some wanted B150, some wanted more, the lowest we could find was B100 and this was to Soi Bongkot (about a 5 minute journey). After gaining assistance from a very helpful policeman we got the price down to B60.

Couldn’t this multinational store or even Pattaya council organise some sort of regulated fare system that would give shoppers confidence in being able to get home safely at a reasonable price? Surely this would benefit all parties concerned.
Kel Gallagher

People on Soi Khao Noi should not hold their breath

Dear Editor,
I would like to thank you for printing my letter in 16th Oct. edition of Pattaya Mail regarding the state of the road in Soi Khao Noi.

I was pleased to see that my friends at The Prince of Wales, Soi Khao Noi, followed my letter with one of their own in your 22nd Oct. edition, and delighted to see that the Pattaya Mail followed up my concerns and printed a report and photograph of the appalling road conditions. This, in edition to the television coverage that Soi Khao Noi received, might prompt city hall into some action, but then perhaps we should not hold our breath.
Regards,
Peter Hopping
The Copy Shop

Experiencing Pattaya’s nightlife

Hi Pattaya Mail;
This is my and four of my friends’ experience of Pattaya nightlife:

I work in Bangkok and often visit Pattaya for my holidays. This year I invited four friends of mine from Hong Kong, telling them they will have a good time in Pattaya and recommended the nightlife.

This was our experience.

First night out we go to Lucifer’s Disco in Walking Street, we all had just got our first drinks in and in walks the police; they shut all the doors to keep us in and we were all subject to a drug test. We were all disgusted at what had happened and left as soon as the police let us, not even consuming our drinks.

Next night we visit the Marine Disco. After a check of one of our lady friends ID we were let in. There were six of us and we all went to the bar and purchased a drink, but as soon as we paid for our drinks the music stopped, the lights came on and everyone started to leave. We asked the security why, and they said police come, time to close. Then why did they let us in if it was closing time?

Next night we went for a game of pool at PJ Bar Soi Lucky Star. When we got there it was closed. Some staff were there, and we asked why they closed, and we were told police come, cannot open.

Next night we go to Lucky Star Bar. They took our order but no drinks came. Where are our drinks? Staff says sorry, police come, they take cashier away.

The next night started well, we had a good night in Tony’s Disco, sharp on 2 the police came, so although we were ready to party on we had to leave. We walked through to Marine Plaza where we found a line of baht taxies. A driver asked us if we want to go to an all night disco; yes we were up for it. When the bus was full it took us about two hundred yards on Second Road to a night club called Boom Boom Izbetha. We went in, asking the door staff what time they were open too. Six in the morning he said. Great, at last a good night out, but not to be. No, the police didn’t come. Before we had a chance to buy any drinks, we were offered, by a number of bad men, all kinds of drugs. I know the problem with drugs in Thailand so I recommended we leave. On leaving I told the door staff I was not happy and said I was going to the police. I was told don’t bother, as this disco is run by the police. I wondered how they could open till six in the morning.

Pattaya nightlife? Forget it. We won’t be coming back again.

Sunhi Loo

Immigration - a final note

Editor;
A final note on the immigration riposte (Pattaya Mail - 15 Oct) would not be required if Peter Wheeler could just stick to the facts. Peter, at least this time, put some detail into his letter but it certainly didn’t need the childish comments about “always some professional critic who appears to have little else to do but misinterpret and nitpick”. A certain touching of the nerve there I think, Peter.

All it needs is less arrogance, more detail and ultimately this would lead to much better interpretation of what the writer was obviously trying to say in his earlier letters. I am sure I wasn’t the only reader who took exception to the original letter. I don’t need to be preached to, I just need facts.

I am happy to say that the majority of letters to the Pattaya Mail contain interesting information, advice, facts and stories with very few trying to demean previous writers. Unfortunately the paper is also the vehicle for those who show their inability to communicate with the public in general by adding condescension and arrogance to their letters when none is needed or required.

Bangkok Dave

A good job

Mailbag;
I seldom write to newspapers, but this time I will make an exception. You have a great newspaper with great stories about different parts of Thailand. I like the stories about the kidney transplant girl and the man giving his life’s savings to help the blind people. I have been visiting Thailand from Poland for years. I like it very much.
Horace Southwiski
Warsaw Poland

Loves Pattaya

Dear Editor:
I believe the folks of Pattaya are fine people; in fact, I am looking forward to visiting your country in about eight months and I hope to see a lot of your country, its peoples, ways of life, and have good times. All places have their problems, not the least is Pattaya. Since my wife is Thai and it’s my first visit I cannot wait to visit.
To all the people of Pattaya - I love you.
Tommy Guichard
Canada

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