CONTENTS HISTORY OF PATTAYA
5
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
6
LEARNING THAI
7
GETTING AROUND
8
PATTAYA MAP
10
JOMTIEN MAP
12
GOOD FOOD GUIDE
14
PATTAYA’S TOUGH GUYS
26
NIGHTLIFE GUIDE
28
“I COULD TELL YOU WHAT I DID ……
36
BUT I’D HAVE TO KILL YOU”
36
KOH CHANG
38
ACTIVITIES GUIDE
40
A STING IN THE TALE?
48
GOLF GUIDE
50
ACCOMMODATION
57
HEALTH AND FITNESS
59
SERVICES GUIDE
60
VISA INFORMATION
72
FIVE STAR VISA RUNS
74
SHOPPING GUIDE
77
REAL ESTATE GUIDE
82
4
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | contents
The Pattaya Guide is a monthly publication which is on display in many hotels, shopping centre’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 Please feel free to contact us if you have any suggestions, we always like to hear from our readers. 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 - Thailand’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, Pattaya’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
5
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
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 Phone Numbers
199 1719
LEARNING THAI Always use
“KRUP” (for men)
One
“KA” (for women)
Two
KHORB KHUN
Three
Thank you Hello & Goodbye Goodbye See you again
SAWAT-DEE
SEE
LA-GON
Five
HAR
Six
HOK
Seven
JED
SABAI DEE MAI
Eight
BAD
SABAI DEE
Nine
GAO
CHOK DEE
How are you? I am fine What is your name?
KHUN CHUE ARIA
My name is It’s ok I don’t want any Where are you going? I don’t believe you
SIB
Ten
PHOM CHUE.
Eleven
SIB ET
MAI BEN RAI
Twelve
SIB SONG
Thirteen
SIB SAM
MAI OW KHRAP/KA
don’t have any money
SAM
Four
LAO JER GUN
Good luck
NUENG SONG
MAI MEE DTUNG
14 = 10 + 4
BAI NAI?
SIB SEE
15 = 10 + 5
SIB HA
MAI CHUE
20
YEE SIB
JING
21
YEE SIB ET
Expensive/Cheap
PANG/TOOK
22
YEE SIB SONG
Sorry
KHOR THOT
23
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
YEE SIB HA
100 200 1,000 2,000 10,000
NUENG ROI SONG ROI NUENG PUN SONG PUN NUENG MUNG
Useful Phone Numbers | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
7
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
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PATTAYA MAP
Mini Siam
Police Box
P
To Chonburi & Ba Bangkok Pattaya
Air Con Bus Station to BBK
North Pattaya Road
ngkok
H
3rd Road
Tesco Lotus
P
Soi 1
Police Box
Big C
Best To Naklua
Sanctuary of Truth
Garden Sea View
P.I. Hospital
Woodland 1 Amari Dusit
Asiawan Resort Garden Cliff
10
Long Beach Garden
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Pattaya Map
2
3
4
H
Soi Nern Pl ub wan
Siam Country Club
Bus Station to Northern Thailand
Fairways Golf Range & Resort
Sukhumvit Road Newspaper Direct
Big Banner
Foodland
Soi Bongkot
Soi Boukhao
H
Witherspoons
Soi Diana
Pattaya Memorial
Soi Lenkee
X-Zyte Disco
Soi Chaiyapoon
TOT Telephone
Central Pattaya Road
Carrefour
LK Metro Slices Pizza
Take It Easy
2nd Road
P
Tops 5
6 Soi Yodsak
Siam Golf
Central Festival
Police Box Alibaba
The Sportsman
Tequila Reef
Nova Lodge
Police Station 8 9
7
P
Five Star Visa Runs
10
11
12
Beach Road
13
Pattaya Beach :- Real Estate
:- Shopping
:- Restaurant & Bar
:- Services
H :- Hospital :- Hotel
:- Activities
Pattaya Map | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
11
Soi Khaotalo
Highway Police Station
Soi Wat Tham Samakkee
JOMTIEN MAP Police Box
P Police BoxTesco Lotus
Big C
Outlet Mall
The Party Shop
sit ppa The
7
7
Adventure Divers
Thai Decor Manhattans
Roa
d
i1
Soi Yamoto Soi Post Office
Phr ata m
nak
Soi 15
South Pattaya Ro
City Garden Resort
So
17
d
ad
Roa
Soi Buakhao
CafĂŠ des Amis
P Police Box
Post
Tudor Court
V2O
Walkin g Teazers
Blues Factory :- Easy Kart
Street
Siam Bayshore Mountian Beach
Ialand View
Asia Pattaya
Royal Cliff Sheraton Cosy Beach
12
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Jomtien Map
Pattaya Bay
Soi Norng Kraborg
Soi Chaiyapruk 2 To Rayong, Sattahip & U-Tapao Airport
Sukhumvit Road Underwater World
o at Bo S oi W
East Furniture & Interiors
Soi Chaiyap
n
Royal Garden
Simon’s Fish & Chips
Post Office
Grand Palace Hotel
Immigration
ruk
Welcome Jomtien
Bus to Bangkok
9 5
7 ien B
Jomt
Pattaya Park
each
Road
Jomtien Beach
P
n Do
g
B tan
:- Shopping
Police Box
Adriatic
e
h ac
Police Box P
:- Activities :- Real Estate :- Restaurant & Bar
:- Services
H :- Hospital :- Hotel or Condo
Jomtien Map | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
13
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
Tandoori & Curry Restaurant “Serving Delicious” VEGETARIAN & NON VEGETARIAN INDIAN, MUGHALAI & PUNJABI CUISINE
Open 11am till 12 Midnight
Pattaya Beach Road
Soi 8
Second Road
Soi 7
Nova Lodge Hotel
Pattaya Central Road
14th century inspired the famous legend “Alibaba and the 40 thieves” architecture provides the perfect setting for Pattaya’s most famous Indian restaurant 1/13-14, Pattaya Central Rd, Opp. Nova Lodge Hotel, Pattaya City, Thailand Phone:- 038 361 620 For Home Deliveries Call
038 423 227
DOOR 2 DOOR 2010 Menu
Now Open Till 3am
T OU W! NO
DOOR 2 DOOR LATE NIGHT MENU AVAILABLE...
Simply call:
ORDER ON LINE - www.door2doorpattaya.com
SUDOKU
FEATURES EVENTS
Traditional Pub Fayre & Thai Food Ice Cold Draught & Bottle Beers Extensive Wine List Happy Hour Daily 11am - 6pm Free Slate-Bed Pool Table For Home Deliveries Fully Air-conditioned Please Call Door 2 Door 038 720 222 Smoke Free Environment Live Sport on Big Screen LCD TV’s Regular Golf Tournaments Pub Quiz Thursday begins 9pm
OPEN EVERYDAY
7:00AM - 2:00AM
Sund Carve ay ry
SERVING FOOD
UNTIL 1:30AM
Join us at Soi 13 between Beach Road & 2nd Road
038 710 609 - www.sportsmanpub.com
Advertise here for only 4500 baht per month, discounts available with 3, 6, 9 or 12 month contracts
For more information call 085 945 9689 or e:mail: thepattayaguide@gmail.com
Soi Diana Opposite Areca Lodge Hotel
For Delivery Call Door 2 Door
038 720 222
PATTAYA’S TOUGH GUYS BY MARK VERRALL
MARKVERRALL@HOTMAIL.COM
Before I wrote this piece, I read my friend Richie’s article about the wannabe special forces guys that we all meet in Pattaya. It makes you laugh, the S.A.S and people like the Green Berets go through the toughest training in the world to resist interrogation and torture not to reveal who they are and what they do and yet they gladly reveal all to perfect strangers in a bar after a couple of beers. I bet the Russians and the Vietnamese and now Al Qaeda never realized it was that easy! Anyway, if the top brass at Hereford ever wonder where all their soldiers are, past or present, they are all here in Pattaya and having a jolly old time. I even met one dickhead with a wallet sporting their regimental ‘logo’ and motto ‘Who Dares Wins’. I have the greatest admiration for the real S.A.S. and I think most guys from the U.K. secretly would love to be that tough, that well trained and that feared. It must be nice walking into a place knowing that if it came to it you could kick everyone’s a***! I have a friend now living over here who is an expert in different martial arts including the one used by the actual Samurai warriors. I met one of his friends a while back and he told me that he arranged to meet him in a bar in Soi Cowboy in Bangkok and when Emile walked in our friend was standing at the bar with 4 guys laid out on the floor around him. Emile asked what had happened. ‘They got a bit out of order so I had to take care of it’ was his reply. 26
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Pattaya’s tough guys
He is a quiet, modest guy and would never start trouble, but knows what to do when it arrives. It would be very entertaining to watch the Pattaya Special Forces Brigade try their luck against him. I have always considered myself a much better lover than a fighter, so I am happy to step aside and let the real hard nuts take care of the rough stuff! The other speciality of Pattaya is the number of ‘cardboard gangsters’ that you meet, the older ones all claiming to be friends or enforcers for the the Krays and Richardsons of London or the Mafia of Nevada. There are some tough guys in town, no question, but the smart ones keep their mouth firmly shut. People who ‘large it’ here tend not to last. Sooner or later they appear on the radar of the Thai authorities who don’t appreciate the negative publicity overseas or worse, their Thai criminal counterparts who have permanent solutions to competitive issues. The thing is, there is no need for the heavy testosterone approach to life here, if you don’t go out of your way to upset people you can generally enjoy a nice tropical lifestyle by the sea and be the envy of all your gangster friends and former S.A.S. colleagues back home.
Pattaya’s tough guys | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
27
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. 28
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Nightlife Guide
Featuring Pattaya’s top musicians, Thailand’s “Guitar King” Lam Morrison with Pattaya’s 1# rock band The Rock Machine Also Featuring the USA’s award winning guitarist Ken “Snowman” Minihan & the Wonderful Mary along with the famous Blues Machine, Pattaya’s only true blues band 2 Live Bands 7 Nights a Week Ladies Night Monday Jam Night Sundays Rock Night Wednesday Special Party Nights & Happy Hours Familys Welcome Friendly Hassle Free Service
Soi Lucky Star, off Walking Street www.thebluesfactorypattaya.com
r
t
wincheste e h bar
The Best Fun Bar In The Day By Far
Come & Try Our Chef’s 99 Baht specials We are located at Soi Wat Boon Kanjana 500 meters from Jomtien Beach
Phone: 085 741 8390
THE BEST COYOTE BAR
LIVE FOOTBALL BOXING FULLY AIR CONDITIONED
ON WALKING STREET PATTAYA STRIGHT OPPOSITE HAPPY A GO GO
OPEN 9PM
UNTILL LATE Soi Happy
Happy A Go Go
Walking Street TEAZERS
OK Corral Bar & Guesthouse
Ice Cold Beers Free Pool Table Live Football Soi Bongkok
3rd Road
South Pattaya Road
CAT Telecomunications
Soi Kho Pai
Soi Rungland
OK Carrol 3rd Road Tony’s Gym
2nd Road
Rooms Available 350 Baht Daily 6000 Baht Monthly Call 089 209 9285
Live Premiership Football
. . . W O N T MENU OU
2010
WAITER ON WHEELS FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE
32 Great Pattaya Restaurants Delivered to Your Door
FREE DELIVERY
NO 10% SERVICE CHARGE WHY PAY MORE? ORDER ONLINE
WOWPATTAYA .COM
www.
For Your Free Menu Call
038 410 699
“I COULD TELL YOU WHAT I DID …… BUT I’D HAVE TO KILL YOU” “Heroes are not known by the loftiness of their carriage; the greatest braggarts are generally the merest cowards.” Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) Swiss political philosopher and essayist “When I first came to Pattaya, all that you see here was just swamp, it was back in ’67, I was on my R&R, first tour of duty in Vietnam blah blah blah” You know how the rest of the story goes. The storyteller then goes on to tell you the one hundred and one different ways that he could render you unconscious with a lolly stick, banana and a ping pong ball, and he’d be happy talking about his feats of heroism all night long, as long as the Chang is flowing and you were buying! Come on guys, even Rambo just wanted to forget!!!! You stare incredulously at him. Is this skinny little expat in front of you, the one with the poached egg stain on the front of his stretched, sweaty Singha vest, scabby little legs with swollen purple ankles protruding from out of the bottom of his addidas shorts, really the UK’s equivalent of John Rambo or Jason Bourne? I thought the whole idea of being Special Forces was the whole “grey man” concept of not drawing attention to yourself, blending in, name rank and number only, and the like? Well I suppose the clever way he combined the wearing of his sandals with white Puma socks and being completely intoxicated, made him blend in fairly well amongst the rest of the grizzled customers in this specific drinking hole.The number of expats who recount this same, if not 36
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | I could tell you what I did …
incredibly similar Rambo tale never ceases to amaze me. My good friend Mark, a regular contributor to the Pattaya Guide bumps into a couple of Rambo’s every week, I thought it was just me! I’m surprised that we have any Special Forces left in the front lines, they all seem to be holidaying in Pattaya! Mind you, can you blame them? I have close relations, in my family who served in the British Army. My father, who was a Doctor with the Ghurkas in the early 60’s in Malaya, during their civil war, and my Stepfather, a Major with the Royal Logistics Corps. My father never told me the true horror of what he witnessed in the jungles of Malaya, he did however almost daily, I might add, stress the importance of a properly bulled (shined) pair of shoes, the finer points of a decent “short back and sides haircut (2x2, some of you will know what I mean) and properly pressed trousers or shorts. He would say “with a short back and sides and a shiny pair of shoes, a man could achieve anything!” Going back to the wannabe Rambo’s that you’ll meet at every turn in Pattaya. You know the bloke? You can spot them a mile off. The thousand yard stare, the tales of escaping from a POW camp with nothing but a garrote made from plaited pubic hair and a pair of underpants that doubled up as a parachute. The man you meet with the firm handshake, the short hair, creases in his shorts so sharp you could shave with them, and shoes like mirrors is the guy whose war stories are worth listening to in the watering holes of Pattaya. He would never tell you them though! So, all you wannabe Rambo’s, you know who you are…Stop boring us! We’re onto you, you have been warned! R.H.E
I could tell you what I did … | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
37
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.
38
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | A Guide to Koh Chang
ACTIVITIES GUIDE Get Active in Pattaya. There’s a wealth of activities to enjoy during your stay. If you’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.
40
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
41
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. 42
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
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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.
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THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Activities Guide
Dive Trips Are What We Do Best Adventure Divers and Water sports
is your best and most friendly dive shop in Pattaya. We have our own boat with experienced captain • PADI Training and crew with an intimate knowledge of reefs and wrecks in the area.“ MV SAIFON” has all • Snorkeling the comforts you could want. Our train staff gives attentive service to make • Swimming your trip not only fun, but luxurious. Diving here will introduce you to beautiful • Game Fishing reefs, endless types of fish and other maries life. • Catamaran Charter Whatever your level or interests, we are happy to assist. Our instructors can lead you on dives • Boat Charter of all skill levels. Just tell us your interests and we will do the rest!
• Scuba Diving
Location : Thappaya Rd soi 13 Naklua Rd So i 18 Phone : 038-364453 038-371568 Contact : Robert 089-2525026 Phillip 087-1317094 Email : info@pattayadivers.com www.pattayadivers.com
Rent this brand new MAZDA BT-50 Low n Seastoes Ra
Rent this truck for as little as 600 Baht per day
For information call: 087 137 6138
Best Pitch in Pattaya Air-Con Bar & Snacks Live TV Sports Special Events Open Daily Until Late
Tuesday U14 Soccer Academy Wednesday Men’s League Thursday U14 Soccer Academy Friday U17 Soccer Academy Saturday U12 League Sunday U14 League Over 40’s League
5:00pm to 6:30pm 6:00pm to 9:00pm 5:00pm to 6:30pm 5:00pm to 6:30pm 3:00pm to 6:00pm 3:00pm to 6:00pm 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Soi Country Club Road
5 km from Sukhumvit Road on the left
Email us info@pattayafootball.com Visit our website www.pattayafootball.com
A STING IN THE TALE? Q. What’s the difference between a Lawyer and a Mosquito ? A. A mosquito drops off you when you die ! Yep, you guessed it, love them or hate them, this months article is all about those loveable little creatures, referred to by some as “Mozzies” There are approximately 3500 species of Mosquitos in the world, The oldest known mosquito with an anatomy similar to modern species was found in 79-million-year-old Canadian Amber from the Cretacious period. Impressive eh? Here are a few facts that you may or may not know about the little beastie, that can make your holiday here in Pattaya so memorable. TOP 10 MOSQUITO FACTS 1. In the interest of science, Arctic researchers uncovered their chests, arms, and legs and reported as many as 9000 mosquito bites per person, per minute. At this rate, and unprotected human would lose one half of his blood supply in approximately 2 hours. 2. Some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. It is not clear why, but probably has something to do with the 300 odd chemicals produced by the skin. 3. A mosquito can smell the carbon dioxide you exhale from about 75 feet away. 4. Most mosquitoes do not fly very far from their larval habitat, but the salt marsh mosquito migrates 75 to 100 miles over the course of its life. . 5. Mosquitoes can fly about 1 to 1.5 miles per hour. 6. Male mosquitoes find female mosquitoes by listening to the sound of their wings beating. The males can actually identify the correct species by the pitch of the female’s wings. 7. A mosquito wing beats from 300 to 600 times per second. 8. An female consumes about 5 Millionths of a litre in a single blood meal. 9. An adult female mosquito weighs only about about 2.0 milligrams 48
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | A sting in the tale?
10. An adult mosquito can live as long as 5 months. It may take several months for a larva to develop to the adult stage in cold water. Eggs of floodwater mosquitoes may remain dormant for several years, and hatch when they are covered with water. MYTH OR FACT? MOSQUITO’S EAT BLOOD The above statement is a myth. A mosquito diet does not include blood. Why do mosquitoes need blood? Only female mosquitoes bite—they need protein from the blood for their eggs. The mosquito diet is sugar from plants, not blood. When a mosquito bites, she uses two tubes: one is an enzyme tube to prevent blood from clotting and the other to suck blood. Why does the bite itch? The mosquito bite does not cause the itchy bump on the human skin—it is the mosquito saliva that causes it. Beer drinkers attract more mosquitoes. Beware all those sitting in outside Beer Bars! You have been warned! To finish off, a Vietnamese legend about the Mosquito, it came from a Vietnamese woman I met in the mountainous region of Sapa, Northern Vietnam. It was told to her by her grandmother. “A young couple is happily married and devoted to one another. One day the wife becomes ill and dies. The young husband, distraught, goes seeking the voodoo queen to bring her back to life, he will do anything to be with his wife again. She tells him to give three drops of his own blood. He does, and using a mysterious incantation his wife comes back to life. But alas, falls in love with another man. The young husband upset, says fair enough, but give me back my blood and we’ll be all square. She cuts her finger and gives three drops of blood then dies and her spirit becomes a mosquito. To this day that’s why the female mosquito goes searching for blood, to become a woman once again. “ In conclusion, two words……. Tiger balm (Yah morng, in Thai) available everywhere. It won’t cure Malaria or Dengue but it’ll stop that pesky itch. Back soon. R.H.E A sting in the tale? | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
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GOLF GUIDE SPONSORED BY FAIRWAYS GOLF RANGE & RESORT | PHONE 038 413 636 1. Bangpakong |18 hole par72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 513 525 2. Bangpra International | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 341 149-50 3. Burapha Golf Club | 36 hole par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 085 288 8226-7 4. Chonburi Century C.C. | 18 hole par 72 | Course 3 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 081 304 1545 5. Crystal Bay Golf Club | 27 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 349 370-8 6. Eastern Star Golf Club | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 630 410-6 7. Emerald Golf Club | 18 hole par 72 | Course 3 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 941 111 8. Fairways Golf Range & Resort | Driving Range | Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 413 636 9. Great Lake Golf Club | 36 hole par 72 | Course 3 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 626 148 10. Green Wood | 27 holes par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 263 158-60 11. Khao Kheow C.C. | 27 hole par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 318 000 12. Laem Chabang | 27 hole par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 372 273 13. Mountain Shadow | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 389 210-6 14. Pattana Sport Club | 27 hole par 73,74 | Course 4 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 318 999 15. Pattaya Country Club | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 423 718-9 16. Phoenix Country Club | 27 hole par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 239 400 17. Pleasant Valley | 18 hole par 72 | Course 3 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 260 825-6 18. Rayong Green Valley | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 030 660-2 19. Royal Thai Navy | 36 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 081 003 3811 20. Royal Lakeside | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 573 275 21. Siam Country Club-Old | 18 holes par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 909 700 22. Siam Plantation | 18 hole par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 909 600 23. St Andrews 2000 | 18 holes par 74 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 030 660-2 24. Treasure Hills | 18 holes Par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 420 766-7
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THEPATTAYAGUIDE | golf guide
To BANGKOK 34 7
To CHACHOENGSAO
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GOLF COURSE MAP
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CHONBURI
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GOLF GUIDE SPONSORED BY FAIRWAYS GOLF RANGE & RESORT | PHONE 038 413 636 Pattaya’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 Khao Kheow Country Club Designer: Pete Dye Course: 27 holes Par 72 Unique design and natural elegance offering 27 holes of challenging golf for any level. With Spectacular mountain vistas and serene landscape this beautifully manicured golf course will be sure to impress. The signature hole is a 135 yards par3 with Island green so bring plenty of balls! Facilities include Large Clubhouse with Restaurant overlooking the golf course offering Thai and International dishes.
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THEPATTAYAGUIDE | golf guide
Golf Range Price List
Room Rates
Daily Weekly Monthly
1 Tray (40 Balls) 40 Baht Golf Club Hire Free Golf Lessons from 500 Baht
650 Baht 3400 Baht 8500 Baht
For more information call
038 413 636
pattayagolfresort@gmail.com
Sponsored by
FREE PGA Professional Golf Coaching Free equipment hire and free use of the driving range is to be offered to all those adults out there who wish to These taster sessions will be offered every Monday evening at 7pm at The Fairways Golf Range. Call Scott on 084 389 2379 and book up today. Maximum of 8 people per session so please book early. Our Monday sessions are designed for male or female adults with little or no golfing experience.
We are Here
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Siam Golf & Driving Range and Country Club is considered the number one driving range in Pattaya. It has the number one practice area for putting, pitching and sand practice and the number one fairway bunker, grass hitting facilities plus they use only the best golf balls. All areas are professionally kept to the very highest standards.
Plus Great Pro Shop! Rates
One-to-One individual instruction 900 baht per half hour One-to-One individual instruction 1500 baht per one hour 2 Players 1600 baht per one hour 3 Players 2000 baht perone and half hours 4 Players 2500 baht per two hours
For Bookings Phone: Harold on 081 832 5338 or 038 405 166
ACCOMMODATION For those who are not familiar with the Pattaya and Jomtien geography, the South and Central Pattaya located hotels are the ones to chose if you are looking to be in the centre of the “action”. Lots of restaurants, bars, shopping etc. For those looking for perhaps a quieter night’s sleep, choose North Pattaya or Naklua, where there are several quality hotels down by the beach at Wongamat. If you really want to get out the city, then stay at Jomtien. The beach is better than that in Pattaya and it is easy to travel to Pattaya for evenings by taking one of the many “baht buses” which congregate at several points along the Beach Road. The Pattaya Guide Recommends - Sandy Springs Hotel, Soi 13 Room range from 1200 (Basic room) - 2500 (Superior Suite) The hotel is very clean, the staff are excellent and is you will struggle to find better value for money elsewhere in Pattaya. Call 038 414 752-8 Accommodation | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
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Jomtien Beach Properties
Studios, 1 - 2 bedroom units for rent or sale We own and manage all our properties No agents - No commission
Tel: 085 697 8245
www.jomtienbeachproperties.com
Write a Pattaya G uide We are asking any budding writers out there to write a Pattaya Guide about any Pattaya related subject i.e. Guide to Walking street, Pattaya Nightlife Guide, Guide to Bar Girls, Guide to your favourite soi etc The Guide can not be any more then 800 words but feel free to add any pictures you wish Please submit entries through
www.thepattayaguide.com
Win a meal for 2 at The Sportsman Pub & Restaurant
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. Health and Fitness | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
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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. 60
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Services Guide
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For further details contact 089 007 7804 or 085 698 4277 We are located at:Pattaya New Plaza, 50m off 2nd Road, Opposite Soi 7 - Soi 8, Central Pattaya TAKE TAKE IT IT EASY EASY NOW NOW IN IN KOH KOH CHANG CHANG
Take It Easy Low Season Rates Bike Daily Hayate 180 Baht Air Blade 180 Baht Nouvo elegance 180 Baht Click F1 180 Baht Fino 150 Baht Nouvo MX 150 Baht Icon 150 Baht Click 150 Baht Mio / Step 150 Baht Nouvo (old) 120 Baht X1 Wave 120 Baht
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Expand Your Business! A World Class Website for only 26,000 Baht Includes All content, up to 8 pages International standard copywriting Top quality web design Hosting + Domain name S.E.O. An example of our work; http://www.stemcells21.co.uk/ We can also arrange e-marketing for hotels in Pattaya, a guaranteed method to increase your occupancy. For details, call Mark on
089 096 4011
BRAND NEW TOYOTA VIOS First Class Rental Insurance 16,000 Baht Per Month for 6 Month contract
7,000 baht per week or 19,000 baht per month Contact: 085 945 9689
Chanphen Thaweesri Business Solutions Business Consultancy & Complete Accounting Service * Work Permit * Company Registration * Administration * Taxation * Auditing Chanphen Thaweesri (B.A., M.B.A.) * Bookeeping A professional, reliable, English speaking service with many years experience in Pattaya
Some of my existing clients include: * The Pattaya Guide * Door 2 Door * The Sportsman Soi 6 * * Shoot Pool * Tropical Berts * Manhattans * Greg’s Kitchen * * Erik and Rosa Co., Ltd * Pattaya Aquatic * M & D Asia * * East Furniture * Nail Studio * Curtain Design Studio * * Sky Top Internet * Escape Car Rental * The Sportsman * * Queen Victoria Inn * JPM Asia * Pavati Co, Ltd * Five Star *
We take care of time-consuming financial & legal paperwork, leaving you free to run your business Please contact Khun Pen: Mobile: 081 295 3827 Phone: 038 711 022 - Fax: 038 710 104 - sman@mailcity1.com
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. WARNING: YOU ONLY GET 15 DAYS AT LAND BORDERS 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 Visa Information | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
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country. The holder may then return to the Kingdom and will obtain a second 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
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THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Visa Information
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permitted to change to a non-immigrant visa at an immigration office inside Thailand. This change of ‘status’ 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
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THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Visa Information
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.
Shopping Guide | THEPATTAYAGUIDE
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315/53 Thepprasit Rd. Nongprue, Banglamung’ Chonburi, 20260 Tel/Fax: (66) 038 267 197 Mobile Roger: (66) 081 000 7664 Mobile Muchy: 084 031 9673 Email: thai_decor@hotmail.com
“GRAND SALE” “This Complete Bedroom Set Now only 75,000 Baht”
(mattress not included but can be added if required)
EAST Furniture & Interiors Next To Pattaya Properties Tel: 038 252 201 / 081 863 6752 Open (mon - sat) 10am - 6pm (sun) 12 noon - 5pm email: sales.pattaya@east-online.net
PLACES TO GO SHOPPING MALLS Big C Shopping Centre is a large mall on Second Road across from Soi 2. Mike Shopping Mall is on Beach Road between Soi 11 and Soi 12, New Central Festival Soi 9 Beach Road, next to the police station (you can’t miss it) Outlet Mall on Thepprasit Road on the corner of Sukhumvit Road Royal Garden Plaza is a large upscale mall adjacent to Pattaya Marriott Hotel on Beach Road between Soi Post Office (Soi 13/2) and Soi Pattayaland 1 (Soi 13/3) Tuk.Com (Com City) on South Pattaya Road is a new and predominantly IT mall. The Avenue is on second road directly opposite the entrance to soi 13
SUPERMARKETS Best Supermarket At the corner of North Pattaya Road and Naklua Road Big-C South Pattaya Road (at the junction with Sukhumvit Road), Big-C Central Festival Center (opposite Soi 2). Carrefour Central Pattaya Road (between Third Road and Sukhumvit Road), Foodland Central Pattaya Road 24 hours Foodmart Thapphraya Road (near the junction with Theprasit Road). 24 hours. Friendship South Pattaya Road. Tesco-Lotus North Pattaya Road Tesco-Lotus Sukhumvit Road near Thepprasit Road Tops at the junction of Second Road and Central Pattaya Road, 24 hours. Villa Market The Avenue Shopping Mall, 2nd Road. 24 hours.
MARKETS :- THERE ARE MANY BAZAAR-STYLE MARKETS IN PATTAYA Made In Thailand Plaza on Second Road near Soi 10 - daily 08:00-23:00 Soi Buakhao Market daytime, Tuesday and Friday; Thepprasit Market on Thepprasit Road (Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings) Naklua Market go 4km’s down Nakula Rd to the 2nd set of traffic lights & turn right
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THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Shopping Guide
New Pattaya Beach Central Festival Shopping Complex Finally, just what Pattaya needed, a good shopping centre for all the needs of tourists, locals and expats has now opened 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
The Pattaya Beach Central Festival Shopping Complex is the biggest beachfront mall in Asia and really is a welcome addition to the City.
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 “higher end� 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. 82
THEPATTAYAGUIDE | Real Estate Guide
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