The Pattaya Guide - April 2015 by The Pattaya Guide

CONTENTS HISTORY OF PATTAYA

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

LEARNING THAI

GETTING AROUND

PATTAYA MAP

JOMTIEN MAP

GOOD FOOD GUIDE

NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

KOH CHANG & KOH LARN

GUEST WRITER

PAGS

GUEST WRITER

ACTIVITIES GUIDE

GOLF GUIDE

HEALTH AND FITNESS

SHOPPING GUIDE

SERVICES GUIDE

VISA INFORMATION

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | contents

The Pattaya Guide is a monthly publication which is on display in many hotels, shopping centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, restaurants and entertainment venues throughout Pattaya, Jomtien and Naklua. Created & Published by: The Pattaya Guide Company Limited, 482/14 Moo 10, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Email or Call us if you would like to be added to our distribution list Telephone: 085 945 9689 Email: thepattayaguide@gmail.com All contents of this guide are the copyright of The Pattaya Guide Company Ltd, all rights reserved. Reproduction, use of editorials and use of pictures in any manner is prohibited without written permission of The Pattaya Guide Co Ltd.

HISTORY OF PATTAYA Pattaya - Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital of fun is a popular resort on the North Gulf Coast of Eastern Thailand, 150 km south-east of Bangkok. Once a sleepy fishing town, Pattaya first boomed as an R & R spot during the Vietnam War and has been a popular tourism destination ever since. Currently, Pattaya is booming and the opening of the Suvarnabhumi Airport has made visiting easier than ever. Pattaya is popular not only as a beach resort and for its entertainment, nightlife and shopping, but also for the broad selection of recreational activities it caters for, from golf and horseback riding to bungee jumping, karting and shooting - not to mention a wide variety of watersports such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and kite surfing. Pattaya, unlike other beach resorts, shows no respite after sundown, Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nightlife is unique and fascinating with Walking Street, South Pattaya in the centre of it all. This is the most popular place to go amongst tourists and expats here you will find many go go bars, beer bars, discos, street entertainers and the odd ladyboy. Food is another one of the highlights of any trip to Pattaya. From giant prawns to spicy som tam salad, there is every imaginable cuisine here. Cajun, Chinese, Indian, Italian, English, French, Vietnamese, German, Russian and many more. Today Pattaya attracts annually more then a million tourists from all over the world. Pattaya provides high standard hotels, restaurants, sports, entertainment and shopping. It really has it all and a whole lot more. history of pattaya | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Pattaya City Phone Center

1337

Emergencies Police Emergency

191

Sawang Boriboon Foundation

038 222 474

1669

Tourist Police

038 425 937

1155

Pattaya Immigration

038 410 24

Police Station (Pattaya)

038 420 802-5

Police Station (Jomtien)

038 232 330-1

Police Station (Banglamung)

038 221 331

Fire Brigade (Pattaya)

038 425 943

Fire Brigade (Naklua)

038 221 000

Hospital (Bangkok- Pattaya) Hospital (Banglamung)

038 429 244

Hospital (Pattaya International)

038 428 374-5

Hospital (Pattaya Memorial)

038 488 777

AA (Alcoholics anonymous)

084 564 8479

199 1719

Transport Bus Station (to Bangkok)

038 429 877

Pattaya Railway Station

038 429 285

U-Tapao Airport

038 245 593-5

Bangkok Airways

038 412 382

Thai Airways International

038 425 934-7

Suvarnabhumi Airport Phone Centre 021 321 888 Please text any useful phone numbers that you come across to 0859 459 689 6

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Useful Numbers

LEARNING THAI Always use

“KRUP” (for men)

One

“KA” (for women)

Two

KHORB KHUN

Three

Thank you Hello & Goodbye Goodbye See you again Good luck How are you? I am fine What is your name? My name is It’s ok I don’t want any don’t have any money Where are you going? I don’t believe you

NUENG SONG SAM

SAWAT-DEE

Four

SEE

LA-GON

Five

HAR

Six

HOK

LAO JER GUN

Seven

JED

SABAI DEE MAI

Eight

BAD

SABAI DEE

Nine

GAO

CHOK DEE

KHUN CHUE ARIA

SIB

Ten

PHOM CHUE.

Eleven

SIB ET

MAI BEN RAI

Twelve

SIB SONG

Thirteen

SIB SAM

MAI OW KHRAP/KA MAI MEE DTUNG

14 = 10 + 4

BAI NAI?

SIB SEE

15 = 10 + 5

SIB HA

MAI CHUE

YEE SIB

JING

YEE SIB ET

Expensive/Cheap

PANG/TOOK

YEE SIB SONG

Sorry

KHOR THOT

YEE SIB SAM

Really

(you will say it when you want to interrupt someone, when you want to pass by someone or when you do something wrong) Sorry

SIA JAI

(In this case it means a different thing. Like if someone died or got hurt, you say “phom di chan sia jai” which means “I am sorry”)

24 = 20 + 4 YEE SIB SEE 25 = 20 + 5 100 200 1,000 2,000 10,000

YEE SIB HA NUENG ROI SONG ROI NUENG PUN SONG PUN

NUENG MUNG

Learning Thai | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

GETTING AROUND Pattaya is a very easy city to get around although the busy traffic causes frequent hold-ups at peak times (07:00 – 09:00 and 15:00 – 18:30), particularly on the major roads. Unusually, for Thailand, there are no tuk-tuks in Pattaya, so everyone usually gets around on the baht-buses (songtaews) or on motorbike taxis. There are literally hundreds of both all over Pattaya. MOTORBIKE TAXIS Motorbike taxis are a way of life in Pattaya. They are your best bet of getting around if you want to get somewhere quickly or conveniently, particularly at busy times. On every corner in Pattaya, no matter how small the Soi (street), you will find a gathering of motorbike taxis. They are operate 24 hours a day 7 days per week and provide a very convenient service. However, this option is not for the faint-hearted and can be dangerous. These guys, and the occasional lady will take you anywhere but agree on a price first! RENTING CARS AND MOTORBIKES Another practical way to get around Pattaya is by renting a motorbike. Most people simply don’t have the nerve to tackle the traffic and bizarre driving habits here, but if you do, renting a motorbike is your best option for getting around Pattaya. You can rent a motorbike for around 200 baht a day or cheaper for longer periods. There are scooter type bikes which are actually extremely easy to ride, with no clutch when changing gears, and very reliable, larger motorbikes are freely available as well, but obviously more expensive. 8

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | getting around

In Thailand it is illegal to ride a motorbike or to be a passenger without a helmet, to ride with more than two passengers, to undertake in traffic, to go the wrong way down one-way streets, to exceed the speed limit, or, to jump red lights, which means very little to anyone in Thailand and driving habits here are dreadful. If you decide to rent a motorbike, make sure your medical insurance is up-to-date as accidents here are a daily occurrence. Cars can be hired too, but driving them in and around the city is likely to be a frustrating experience, particularly at school times, market days, rush hours and on Sukhumvit Road. There are many car rental companies around the city with prices starting at around 500 baht a day for the older cars, to a more realistic 1200+ baht for more modern or four wheel drive vehicles. WARNING… Driving habits in Thailand are appalling and most drivers are quite irresponsible and ignore simple safety rules. In contrast to the Thai’s usual polite and peaceful behaviour, they become quite inconsiderate behind the wheel. Be very wary of your speed and always look out for bad drivers, Pattaya is full of them. Unlike many Western countries, it’s very easy to pass a driving test here, so many drivers have little or no experience of driving either in town or on main roads. Many simply don’t have a licence at all or any awareness of road rules. Be prepared at any time for other drivers to suddenly pull out in front of you without even looking, stop without warning, overtake dangerously (and on the inside) and ignore motorcyclists. Some people just stop and park where it suits them, weave through the traffic with a death wish, ride the wrong way up the road into oncoming traffic and more. Do pay careful attention and drive conservatively. Accidents are regular in Pattaya and when they do occur, the offender is usually reluctant to accept any responsibility, should the worst happen however, the Pattaya police and ambulance services are exceptionally good, as well as being very quick to the scene.

getting around | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

PATTAYA MAP

Mini Siam

Police Box

To Chonburi & Ba H Bangkok Pattaya

Air Con Bus Station to BBK

North Pattaya Road

ngkok

3rd Road

Tesco Lotus

Soi 1

Police Box

Big C

Best To Naklua

2nd Road

Sanctuary of Truth P.I. Hospital Garden Sea View

1 Woodland

Asiawan Resort Garden Cliff

Long Beach Garden

The Palm

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Pattaya Map

Amari Dusit

Soi Nern Pl ub wan

Siam Country Club

Bus Station to Northern Thailand

Sukhumvit Road Newspaper Direct

Comedy Pub

Telephone Club

Foodland Cocoon Restaurant

Soi Bongkot

oi Yume

Soi 14

Big C

Soi Chaiyapoon

Soi Boukhao

6 Soi Yodsak

LK Metro

Kaos Agogo

Istanbul Palace

2nd Road

Central Festival

Police Box Alibaba

CTBS

Pattaya Nova Lodge

We Dive

Robinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest

Pattaya Memorial Thai Beauty

Tops

Blue Heeler

Witherspoons

Soi Diana

Central Pattaya Road

TOT Telephone

Soi Lengkee

3rd Road Legends

Police Station 8 9

Dive Centre

The Sportsman Five Star Visa Runs

Beach Road

Pattaya Beach :- Real Estate

:- Shopping

:- Restaurant & Bar

:- Services

:- Activities

H :- Hospital :- Hotel

Pattaya Map | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

Soi Khaotalo

Highway Police Station

Soi Wat Tham Samakkee

JOMTIEN MAP Police Box

P Police BoxTesco

Wiggle Town

Lotus

Outlet Mall

Big C

ppa The

sit R

Parrots

Thapp hraya Road

Tuk Com

Roa nak

Royal Garden Plaza

Phr ata m

Soi Diamond

Soi Yamoto Soi Post Office

Euro Optic

Post

Blue Olive

Soi 33 Soi 15

South Pattaya Ro

City Garden

P Police Box

oad

Soi Buakha

CarrĂŠ Blanc

Montana Bar

Pattaya Rent A Car Tudor Court

Sapphire Agogo

Walkin g

Nova Ocean

Rocket Ball

Street

Mehfil Amari Residences Cosy Beach Royal Cliff Sheraton

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Jomtien Map

Fflic Club Pattaya Bay

Soi Norng Kraborg

Soi Chaiyapruk 2 To Rayong, Sattahip & U-Tapao Airport

Sukhumvit Road Underwater World

o at Bo Soi W

Jomtien Sauna

News Steaks & Grill

Soi Chaiyapruk

Royal Garden Welcome Jomtien

Immigration Post Office

Shenanigans

Athena

Pattaya Park 3

View

ien Jomt

B tan

Asia Pattaya

g on

h ac

Planet Earth Beach Club (Soi 15)

Police Box P

Jomtien Beach

:- Shopping

Police Box

Adriatic Cosy Beach View

h Ro

Beac

Akvavit Friends Cafe

Grand Palace Hotel

Bus to Bangkok

:- Activities :- Real Estate :- Restaurant & Bar

:- Services

H :- Hospital :- Hotel or Condo

Jomtien Map | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

GOOD FOOD GUIDE With a wealth of international restaurants offering delicious food. Pattaya is truly the crossroads of cuisine in Asia. French, Mexican, German, ltalian, Indian, Chinese, Scandinavian, Korean, Japanese and of course, Thai plus many other varieties of restaurant are located within the city. For most visitors to Pattaya the experience of new and interesting dishes is an exciting alternative to the traditional foods available at home. However, along with wonderful Thai dishes, one should sample the culinary delights available from other countries. Try “Kimji” a type of Korean spicy salad or maybe “sizzling Fajitas” a popular Mexican dish. Also, why not take this opportunity to find new ways of cooking traditional ingredients… there are now several cooking schools around the city where for a nominal fee you can learn to cook local dishes as well as go shopping to local markets and buy the ingredients you will need. Local specialities include: Tom Yam Gung (spicy prawn soup), Gaeng Kiewan (green spicy curry). If you like your food “hot” then try some of the food served from the vast number of vending carts across the city. At these you can sample such delicacies as: Som Tam (spicy salad) or Hoy Tord (fried mussels or oysters with egg) and the amazing variety of seafood. 14

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | good food guide

Succulent e Indian Cuisin

Pattaya Beach Road

Soi 8

Second Road

Soi 7

Nova Lodge Hotel

Pattaya Central Road

Open 11am till 12 Midnight

1/13-14, Pattaya Central Rd, Opp. Basaya Beach Hotel, (near the beach) Pattaya For table reservations please call

038 361 620 081 312 6811

alibabaindianrestaurant@gmail.com ~ www.alibabarestaurant.biz

Showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daily

Restaurant & Bar Show Starts at 8:30pm Come and join us for our delicious cuisine

Also come and see our exotic show...

MEHFIL

Restaurant & Bar 234/6, Walking Street (Next to Lucifer Disco)

Mobile: 080 400 0097 ~ 084 708 4939

International and Thai Cuisine Pizzas - Steaks Homemade Pastas Cakes and Desserts русский еды

Phone: 038-757-531 ~ Mobile: 092-465-8616 Email: rpb.athena@gmail.com

ISTANBUL PALACE For the taste of real Turkish food

Istanbul Palace The Avenue, Pattaya 2nd Road Tel: 081 723 0505

W ith t FR his EE ad co re ck ce ta ive il

NIGHTLIFE GUIDE As you would expect from one of the most exciting vacation destinations in the world. Pattaya offers the visitor a kaleidoscope of entertainment possibilities. Live music & be enjoyed at several clubs around the city. These venues provide the visitor with wonderful atmosphere, cold beer & cocktails & the opportunity to see artists from various parts of the world playing a wide selection of popular & new music. There are also a number of traditional nightclubs in the city. These nightspots also offer live entertainment… the live music is usually performed by Thai singers & bands with regular interludes where the resident DJ will play a selection of dance/house or other forms of music. For visitors who like to sit back & watch a truly spectacular show, check out Alcazar & Tiffany’s located on 2nd Road, Pattaya. These are the lady-boy shows, where the singers perform in a vast array of costumes & sing their way through songs in several languages. A little outside Pattaya you will find the Alangkarn Extravaganza. A show which features animals, pyrotechnics, acrobats etc. Alangkarn is now creating itself as one of the “must see” shows for visitors. 24

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Nightlife Guide

Kaos voted hottest go go girls in Pattaya In the heart of L.K. Metro

Lowest prices, best ladies so join the party on L.K. Metro Soi L.K. Metro Kaos A-Go-Go

Soi Diana

Soi Buakhao

Pattaya 2nd Road

Kiss Restaurant

Kaos A-go-go Soi LK Metro (just off Soi Buakhao)

S ’ N ME

B U CL

THEPPRASIT ROAD

Wednesday 100 baht

E Buffet Every L T EN

3rd ROAD

Facebook: montana bar hotel ~ Soi 17, 3rd Road ~ Tel: 091 246 0527

PATTAYA TAI (SOUTH PATTAYA)

CLUB BAR HOSTESES

ouvert 7j/7 à partir de 14h

SOI 17

MONTANA

THAPPAYA ROAD

The Comedy Pub •Pub •Restaurant •Grill •Live Sports •Snooker •WIFI

Come and enjoy wonderful traditional food with a warm friendly atmosphere...

Happy Hour 6-7 everyday

Le téléphone

Pattaya 2nd Road

i Batm Soi 46/3 So

Pattaya 3rd Road

Soi 2

i 16 So

Sukhunvit Road

PATTAYA TAI The Comedy Pub

e iv ce t re fas ad ak is re th E B ith E W 1 FR

PATTAYA KLANG

The Comedy Pub, 148/54, Soi Batman Call: 080 095 6313 ~ E.mail: comedy.pub@g.mail.com

THE B IN P EST BA ATT R AYA ...

Open 1pm to 12 Midnight Soi 33, Pattaya 3rd Road

HAPPY DAY EVERY TUESDAY & FRIDAY

Bar Club Relax “ONE GLASS PAID ONE FREE GLASS” EXCEPT LADY DRINK

BLUE HEELER

Boutique Hotel & Bar Come & meet good friends & have good times

Come & enjoy the restaurant & bar All sports shown live

The resort has 8 rooms with 24 hour room service

Soi Lengkee

Soi Chaiyapoon

Pattaya 3rd Road

Soi Buakhao

Blue Heeler Boutique Hotel & Bar Soi Lengkee

Open 24 Hours Call: 0989 681 472 www.blueheelerpattaya.com

Soi 13 Pattaya Beach Road

www.facebook.com/TheSportsmanPattaya www.sportsmanpub.com

KOH CHANG & KOH LARN KOH CHANG The island of Koh Chang is a tropical marine national park. It consists of over 70% rainforest and is the best preserved tourist holiday destination in Thailand. Situated 4 hours from Pattaya, it’s Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket. Recently, with the surge of development and popularity, it has been elevated to Thailand’s new tourist haven. Koh Chang has everything, white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rain forests and abundance of wildlife and marine life, high mountain peaks, several scenic waterfalls, a rich variety of cuisine and great nightlife. Accommodation on the island ranges from simple beach huts and bungalows to luxury villas and apartments. If you drive, you can hire motorbikes, jeeps and cars to take you to any of the beaches along the coastal roads and, in the evening, there are plenty of restaurants, live music bars and nightclubs to choose from to spice up your stay. ACCOMMODATION Paddy’s Palms Resort, 32 room resort with hot water, air con, TV and fridge. The resort itself has a large swimming pool, excellent parking and is located 5 minutes from Whites Sands Beach. 1000 – 1300 baht Palm Garden Hotel, a small 12 room hotel with hot water, air con, TV and fridge. Just 50m from the beach in the heart of the main tourist spot, White Sands Beach. RESTAURANTS 15 Palms, a beautiful beach side restaurant on White Sands Beach serves European food with everything from pizzas, salads, pasta, burgers and of course Thai food. Paddy’s Palms, Koh Chang’s first Irish Pub is a well managed pub with a great atmosphere. They have a pool table, wireless internet, live sport on big screens, great Italian coffee, traditional Irish dishes, Kilkenny and Guinness on tap. The restaurant is the most popular on the Island and must be visited.

A Guide to Koh Chang & Koh Larn | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

SUDOKU 8 1 6 1 3 8 7 4 9 5 3 9 4 8 1 8 2 4 3 7 9 2 4 7 6 8 9

6 9 8 2 7 5 3 7 9 1 2 1 8 6 4 3 2 4 7 1 8 3 9 2 2 6

WET GUEST WET WRITER WET Back in 1996 on a hot sunny day in April whilst leaving my hotel in Pattaya I was a victim of a horrendous attack. As I merrily bowled down Pattaya Klang heading to purchase a copy of the Bangkok Post a stealth pick up truck containing the Thai ‘A ‘team launched an all out aqua attack with multi bucket launchers, pump action water hoses and automatic water pistols.... in fact any water vessels bigger than an egg cup, add to this the phantom flour flinger and his cluster bombs of mixed ice and tiger balm came raining down on me.... Gave me no chance to defend myself and left me spluttering on the pavement like a demented sea lion. Why you may ask.... well the answer is Songkran the Thai new year, veiled thinly as the water spirit festival. Although i had visited Thailand on many occasions previously, it was my first Songkran and it had slipped my mind it was the thirteenth.... so picking my drowned carcass up wearing a false grin like when Jeremy Beadle appears.... I hastily returned to my hotel reception who were not to pleased as I traipsed through the 5 star mezzanine floor with two cleaners following me like a bride walking down the aisle. You see it doesn’t matter if you change more times than shop window dummy, as soon as you set foot outside you’re fair game. I reset off wearing an old green t-shirt, shorts and flip flops with my money tied in a plastic bag and hidden in a secret compartment in my james bond 44

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Guest Writer

underpants.... and as I waded up the Soi 3 stopped to purchase a super duper plastic water howitzer which made my childhood Johnny Seven seem like a spud gun.... I reached Soi 7 Pattaya.... thirty minutes later wetter than a mermaid and headed straight for the first bar.... I got myself a table up overlooking the street in a great firing position checked my ammo and ordered a singha “lock and load” I growled to myself.... forget the Vietnam war Songkran is the biggest battle in South East Asia and it lasts for 3-7 days depending on where you are. By 3 pm I must of consumed about 3 litres of beer plus 3 litres of airborne water.... and a bladder off load was required, the toilet had became a Jacuzzi and the bar floor was a paddling pool.... by 4pm music was pumping and the noise was incredible with free hugs and snogs being exchanged by all.... by 5pm spontaneous essian dancing broke out and some farangs reenacted singing in the rain (the Morcambe and Wise version.... not Gene Kelly).... the locals all began to walk like John Wayne due to there whisky consumption and with my ale consumption rising into my neck I decided I needed to eat before the singha dribbled out of my nose. A small tip when wet choose a restaurant outside as mine had the air con so cold I turned into a frozen bag of sprouts. After a quick defrost I noted it was past 6pm this is were the songkran Geneva convention kicks in.... ie a full cease fire until the next day.... So if you do venture out on April 13th to the 19th always take a snorkel, flippers and plastic bags for money and phone. Have a good one and remember its just water, enjoy it.... Brgds SG

HAPPY SONGKRAN

Guest Writer | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

PAGS SPONSORED BY PATTAYA AMATEUR GOLF SERIES Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secret is undoubtedly the quality and value of its golf courses, there are 20 championship standard courses within 45 minutes of Pattaya, designed by the very best golf architects and designers. Clubhouse facilities are excellent with everything you might need and more, including great restaurants, swimming pools, massage facilities, superb shower and locker rooms. All courses provide caddies to guide you through your round with words of advice and encouragement. Quite simply, golfing in Pattaya is a match for anywhere in the world at a fraction of the cost with each course offering a fantastic experience for golfers of all abilities (with no course requiring a handicap card). So, whether you are a low handicap golfer, one who enjoys a challenge or a complete novice there is no better place to play than the courses around Pattaya.

Course of the Month Crystal Bay Country Club DDesigner: Thai Takenaka Course: 27 Hole Par 72 A.3526yds B.3483yds C.3480yds One of the best manicured and kept course in the area with 27 holes of wide fairways, fast greens and picturesque lakes and beautiful flowers this course is always a favourite to play. Water fringes the course on all sides and with gently undulating fairways the course is complete in every way. The experienced caddies will be sure to make your great day out an unforgettable one. Facilities include a Clubhouse with sweeping views of the course, Thai and International Restaurant, Driving Range, Sports Club and Pro Shop.

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | pattaya amateur golf series

Our Series Sponsors

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Best Points

Flight A (lowest 33% of the fields handicaps) Flight B (middle 33% of the fields handicaps) Flight C (highest 33% of the fields handicaps)

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Prize Fund 28,900 baht Sponsored by Door 2 Door Food Delivery Service

PATTAYA GUIDE

038 412 228

Cafe des Amis WAITER

N WHEELS

FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE

038 410 699

DIVIDED GUEST WRITER BY A COMMON LANGAUGE BY MARK VERRALL I wrote a piece sometime ago about how difficult it was for me to learn Thai. However, there is a country whose language I find even more confusing. I am talking of course, about America. It is often attributed to George Bernard Shaw that Britain and the U.S are two nations divided by a common language. This is especially true regarding slang, which can get you into all kinds of bother. For example, the word ’fag’ in America is a rather derogatory term for a homosexual man. In England it means cigarette. So if you are in America and inform someone that you are dying/gasping for a fag…well, you get the idea. In America, ‘fanny’ is slang for a woman’s behind. In the U.K. it means a woman’s er…vagina. So if your American friend says ‘she has a nice fanny’ your initial reaction might be ‘How do you know?’ Another bone of contention is the spelling. It was only natural I suppose that after they gained independence that they would want to form their own version of the ‘Mother tongue’ and spell it as it sounds, thus centre became center. The one that really gets to the Brits is Aluminum, which we call Aluminium. Then of course there was the George W. Bush ‘Nukular weapons’ . I rather miss old George. What other world leader could come out with something like ‘I know the human being and fish can co-exist peacefully’. Now the U.S. has Barack Obama who is a superb orator and has great charisma but I think the ironic thing is that he was supposed to be the President that would unite the country and I think he will go down as the most divisive President in U.S. history. Also, if your savings are in U.S. Dollars think very seriously about changing that! A major problem with America in their insularity. Watch any U.S. news channel and virtually every report is about America regardless of what is

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Guest Writer

happening around the world. This helps to breed a certain ignorance of world affairs. We all have a favourite story about Americans making mistakes regarding other countries. A famous one is the American consortium who bought London Bridge to take to Arizona believing they had purchased the London Tower Bridge. You can just picture the engineers scratching their heads as the ‘crates’ were unloaded, saying ‘Where are the Tower parts..?’ Several years ago I was watching a stunning game of Rugby between the then World Champions, South Africa and the New Zealand All Blacks. The All Blacks were playing the most perfect Rugby I had ever seen. There was an American chap sitting with us and he said ‘I guess this is the European version of American Football’ You could hear the jaws dropping to the tables around the room. Also some years ago, I had a French girlfriend in Bangkok and she had been an exchange student in the States. At a student party a guy approached her and asked her where she was from “‘France” she told him. “Is that in Paris?” he asked. But even better another guy asked her the same question. “France” she said. In all seriousness he asked her “Do you have electricity in France?” I read something on the internet about American student’s exam answers. Two of my favourites were ‘The Pyramids are a mountain range in Egypt’ and even better ‘Beethoven was deaf, so he wrote very LOUD music.’ I’m not saying Americans are silly, but they might want to reform their education system before they touch healthcare!

Guest Writer | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

ACTIVITIES GUIDE Get Active in Pattaya. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wealth of activities to enjoy during your stay. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the watersports type, then check out both Jomtien and Pattaya beaches where you can find windsurfing, parasailing, jet skis and canoeing, the mild to strong winds make for excellent windsurfing and sailing conditions throughout the year. It is possible to rent a small sailboat or boards and sail at several locations both in Jomtien and Pattaya. PATTAYA PARK For a wonderful family day out, why not go to Pattaya Park at jomtien, they have water slides, tower jumps and the tower shot a great choice for all adrenalin junkies, the park also caters for families with kiddies pool and a larger pool that has a very gentle current to float around on a lilo and a small restaurant to have refreshments. Pattaya Park Tower has a revolving restaurant, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of Pattaya. Phone 038 364 110-20, visit www.pattayapark.com for more information.

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Activities Guide

NONG NOOCH GARDEN Located approximately 18km south of Pattaya, the Garden can be reached by taking a left turn from Sukhumvit Road at the Km 163 marker. The Garden is a sprawling recreation park in a typical Thai setting. A group of traditional Thai pavilions and gardens of different flowering plants are positioned around the beautifully landscaped site. Daily cultural and elephant shows and elephant rides are available for tourists with show times at 9.45am, 10.30am, 3pm and 3.45pm, admission fee is 400 baht. Nong Noch Garden Phone 038 709 358-62 Pattaya Office Phone 038 429 321or 038 429 958 Bangkok Office Phone 02 252 1786 Visit www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com for more information.

Activities Guide | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

THE SI RACHA TIGER FARM The farm, which is situated at 20km marker on highway No.36, raises a large number of Bengal tigers, as well as large crocodiles. Visitors will be amazed to witness tigers, pigs and dogs living together in the same quarters. The Si Racha tiger farm opens daily from 8am till 6pm. Admission fee is 350 baht for adults and 200 baht for children, phone 038 296 556-8, for more information visit www.tigerzoo.com MILLION YEAR STONE PARK AND CROCODILE FARM The Million Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm, which is located approximately 9km from Pattaya City and has beautifully landscaped grounds with elaborate flower and rock gardens in addition the farm has hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals. Crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows run 7 times a day from 9am till 5pm. Open daily from 8am till 5pm, admission fee is 300 baht and 150 baht for children. Phone 038 249 347-9 or 025 794 008 - 025 795 033 for more information. Getting there, drive along the Sukhumvit Road until you come to the km 140 marker near Sawangfah temple, then turn into Chaiyaporn Vidhi (Route No. 3240) and proceed for 5 km then turn left on Soi 21. 52

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Activities Guide

SANCTUARY OF TRUTH The compound, which covers an area of more than two rais, is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet on Naklua Road in North Pattaya. Within the compound is a gigantic temple like structure entirely made of wood that is 105 metres high at the highest point which was constructed to withstand wind and sunshine on the seashore, with exquisite architectural features, the sanctuary was conceived out of the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truths. Open daily from 8am till 6pm, admission fee is 500 baht and 250 baht for children, with dolphin training shows at 11.30am and at 3.30pm Phone 038 367 229 or visIt www.sanctuaryoftruth.com UNDERWATER WORLD A must see tourist attraction in town is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia, boasting a 100m long, 6.4 cm thick acrylic pedestrain tunnel through an underwater filled with dozens of marine species. The aquarium itself houses more than 4000 marine animals, comprising more than 200 different species from the region as well as some rare creatures from over seas, top of the visitors list is the rare shovelnose ray a hybrid between a shark and a stingray. Located just 200m south of Tesco Lotus on the Sukhumvit Road. Open from 9am till 6pm (tickets are on sale until 5.30pm) admission fee for adults is 450 Baht and children 250 Baht, for more information and booking phone 038 756 879.

Activities Guide | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

MINI SIAM Located opposite Bangkok Pattaya Hospital on the Sukhumvit Road is a wonderland of miniture replicas of such outstanding architectural works as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, the Bridge Over the Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai also replicas of places of world significance are displayed in the mini world area these include the Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi fountain. Open daily from 7am till 10pm admission fee 250 baht and 125 baht for children, shows at 6.30pm and 8pm, for more information phone 038 727 333 or 038 421 628. BUDA MOUNTAIN The Silver Lake Vineyard attraction is conveniently situated next to the famous laser-sculptured Buddha image at Khao Chi Chan Cliff, so it is easy to see two attractions in one trip. Easy to get to from Pattaya. The garden areas at Silver Lake Vineyard are relaxing, superbly landscaped, with plenty of seating areas to either enjoy a snack or simply take in the views. There are a few small food shops and you can also get drinks of your choice or ice creams and of course you can have an ice-cold drink of grape juice. Needless to say, the grape juice is produced from the fresh grapes at Silverlake Vineyard. How to get to Silverlake. You can get to Silverlake Vineyard by driving along Highway 3 - Sukhumvit Road towards Sattahip. Silverlake is signed - but not too well on the left hand side, around 6 km out of South Pattaya - maybe 4km past the Floating Market. Also follow signs for Khao Chi Chan - The laser Buddha.

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Activities Guide

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HEALTH AND FITNESS A healthy lifestyle can be achieved anywhere in the world and Pattaya is certainly one of the most popular places people choose. Thailand has a tropical climate and is therefore ideal for the pursuit of outdoor activities: volleyball, soccer, sailing plus many more. However, for and in indoor healthy lifestyle, Pattaya is also among the best and the vast number of 5 star health massage organisations, beauty parlours, plastic surgery clinics, spas and fitness centre mean that Pattaya really is the place to improve your overall health and look. Many people now choose to partake of the various treatments from facials, to waxing and detox to botox in order to gain that healthier looking body and due to the current price of treatments in many western countries, Thailand has found itself an entire new market in patients arriving for plastic surgery treatment and general medical operations which in their own country would cost much more than locally in Thailand. 62

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Health & Fitness

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SHOPPING GUIDE Pattaya has numerous large malls, small malls, supermarkets, bazaar-style markets, and thousands of other shops. Expect to find plenty of clothes shops and coffee shops but do not expect to find variety as most shops are selling the same things. Pattaya actually has a long way to go to catch up with Bangkok for variety and volume of shops but it is trying with several new shopping centres opening in recent years, and there is a lot more to come. Bargaining is a way of life here but don’t worry if you don’t know your Thai numbers as most shop keepers will carry a calculator to show the price. As a general rule what ever their first price is, half it and you will be closer to what they are actually willing to sell the item for. If you are not happy then simply walk away as the shop keeper down the street will be selling the same thing. Try to have some fun when bargaining because if the shop keeper likes you they may give you a better price and never get aggressive, it doesn’t pay. 66

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Shopping Guide

Central Festival Shopping Complex Pattayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got what is needed, a good shopping centre for all the needs of tourists, locals and expats located between Beach Road and Second Road next to Soi 9. The 7 billion baht Complex set in 22 Rai of land has 7 floors of retail space, usual restaurants and shops, food court and the new SFX Cinema which has First Class screening room (600 Baht per seat). There is also quite a large Central Food Hall and A five-star Hilton hotel with 350 guestrooms being built on the top. Lots of car parking space for both cars and motorbike. WARNING for tall people, watch your head after parking your motorbike

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SERVICES GUIDE You will find during your visit to Pattaya that a vast network of businesses now operate within the city, everything from dentists and doctors to air conditioning companies and lawyers. There are thousands of companies offering a whole range of diverse services for both expats and visitors. Many tourists during their brief stay in Pattaya “Fall in Love with the City” and are determined to make the move to Thailand more permanent. They typically choose to invest in either a condominium or purchase land and house. Once they have purchased their dream home in Pattaya or jomtien, they then find themselves in need of a number of services; cleaners, accountants, electricians, builders and schools among others. We have decided to devote a small section of this publication to promoting a number of these services to help those who are in need. A little piece of advice for those “new arrivals” in town check out your own Chamber of Commerce and expat clubs, they are able to offer lots of help and information. 68

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Services Guide

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VISA INFORMATION SPONSORED BY FIVE STAR VISA RUNS | PHONE 038 416 088 A visa is fundamentally a document affixed into the passport issued to a foreigner by the Thai government allowing a foreigner to travel to the Kingdom and a granted permission to stay for a certain period of time. Visas can only be obtained outside of the Kingdom from a Royal Thai Embassy consulate. A visa has a validity period which denotes the period within which the visa may be used to apply for entry. The validity period is NOT the length of time you will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom. A’ permission to stay’ stamp is entered into your passport upon arrival into the Kingdom. Whatever visa you hold, you will always receive this stamp. It will include the date of entry and date when you MUST leave the Kingdom or make alternative arrangements. The ‘length of stay’ will be dependent on what type of visa you hold. The majority of Foreigners that enter the Kingdom without a visa will be granted a ‘permission to stay 30 day’ stamp only, which is free of charge. At the discretion of the immigration officer this permission to stay 30 day stamp may be extended for up to 7-15 days (THB 1900) at an immigration office after which time the holder must leave the Kingdom. This stamp is NOT a visa. DIFFERENT TYPES OF VISAS Single entry tourist visa will permit the holder a 60 day’ permission to stay’ stamp upon entry. If required, this type of visa may be extended by 30 days (THB 1900) at an immigration office, but after that time the holder must leave the country. After one entry, the visa is used. Multiple entry tourist visa will permit the holder a 60 day ‘permission to stay’ stamp upon entry (only visa exempt countries listed overleaf ) or 30 days if not listed below. If required, this type of visa may normally be extended by 30 days at an immigration office, but after that time the holder must leave the country. The holder may then return to the Kingdom and will obtain a second

Visa Information | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

60 day ‘permission to stay‘ stamp which can also be extended and then the holder must leave. After the stipulated number of entries the visa is ‘used’. Single entry non-immigrant visa will permit the holder a 90 day ‘permission to stay’ stamp. This visa can be extended up to one year for specific reasons and with the required documentation. Multi-entry non-immigrant visa will permit the holder a 90 day ‘permission to stay’ stamp upon entry. Each time the holder enters the Kingdom whilst the visa is valid, he/she will obtain a further 90 day ‘permission to stay stamp’. Such visas can be issued for students/work/family etc., but normally require supporting documentation. This visa can also be extended up to one year for specific reasons and with the required documentation. Although most multi-entry non-immigrant visas are obtained in your home country they may also be obtained from some Royal Thai embassies outside your home country, if you can provide evidence of your marriage to a Thai citizen (marriage certificate) or support of a Thai citizen. 12 month extension to a non-immigrant visa: If you are holding a nonimmigrant visa, you have the option of extending this by 12 months based on either retirement (50 years old or over) or support to a Thai citizen, work, education and the like. This may only be accomplished at an immigration office inside the Kingdom and certain criteria has to be met. If you are residing in the Kingdom under and extension to a non-immigrant visa and wish to leave the Kingdom at any time, then you will need to obtain a re-entry permit to avoid losing the extension and having to re-apply. If you are residing in the Kingdom under an extension to a non-immigrant visa it is a legal requirement that the holder reports current address to an immigration office using form TM.47 (in person or by registered mail) every 90 days. Re-entering the Kingdom is the equivalent of a 90 day report. If you are in possession of a valid tourist visa or a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp and qualify for an extension of stay and plan on doing so you may be permitted to change to a non-immigrant visa at an immigration office inside

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Visa Information

Thailand. This change of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;statusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has certain restrictions depending on your particular circumstances therefore you should check with an officer first. LIST OF VISA EXEMPT COUNTRIES (SEPTEMBER 2009): Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brunei, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, United Kingdom. IMPORTANT NOTES 1. Always check the stamp that the immigration officer gives you. If the officer gets your stamp wrong you may have to return to your port of entry 2. Check your passport and make sure you know when you need to leave Thailand. You can contact 5 star Visa Runs and we will log you into our computer and remind you 7 days before your visa expires as part of our service. 3. Never work in Thailand without a work permit. Even if you are not getting paid, you still need a work permit because you are taking a job from a Thai national. 4. You can convert your 30-day visa exempt stamp to a Non-immigrant Visa by going to Immigration with the proper documents and 21 day stay remaining, meaning you have up to 9 days after your entry. Application fee THB 2000.-Please note that your passport needs to remain valid for at least another six months for any visa applications. 5. Overstay charges are currently THB 500 per day to a maximum of THB 20,000. 6. The information given above is for guideline purposes only. Each individuals circumstances may differ greatly depending on your age, financial position, what port of entry you use, what country you are from, what embassy you are visiting, what you are doing here and of course how long you have been here and, remember the final decision on visa application/issue or entry into the Kingdom will always be at the discretion of the immigration officer. 7. For full information please read the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website

THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Visa Information

REAL ESTATE GUIDE More than one hundred new housing or condominium development projects are currently underway in the Pattaya and Jomtien districts. Many of these projects are aimed at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;higher endâ&#x20AC;? market. Properties offering large spacious accommodation some with private swimming pools, top end air conditioning units, Jacuzzis etc. These properties are typically around the 8-25 million price range and many represent very good value for money. One of the more up and coming development areas is just south of Jomtien, where several developers are now constructing projects near to the beach at Bang Sare and Baan Amphur. Because of the local laws in Thailand with regard to property ownership by foreigners, condominiums are still as popular as ever with something in the region of 5,000 condominium units currently in construction. Some of the better quality condos are La Royale, Northshore and North Point. However, it is possible to find cheaper units especially in South Pattaya and Jomtien. If you are thinking of a permanent move to Thailand remember to do your homework and seek a reputable real Estate Agent. Real Estate Guide | THEPATTAYAGUIDE

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