Assuming that you're talking about a Thai bar girl, you can be sure that as long as you're willing, and/or able to keep the cash and gifts flowing, 99.9% of Thai bar girls are going to 'like' you. But if you've found yourself asking the question, as to whether or not your Thai bar girlfriend 'really' likes you. There really is only one way to be sure. And that is to cut off the cash. Something that most guys engaged in a relationship with a Thai bar girl will realize later, rather than sooner.
And with the above statement we don;t mean to tar all Thai girls with the same brush. Especially not those not actively working the bar scene. But while there are exceptions and many men who have holidayed in Thailand have met the woman of their dreams, and have gone on to enjoy long and happy relationships. They are without argument in the minority. Essentially, if you met her in a beer bar, GoGo bar, etc. Chance is, primarily, if not solely, she's most interested in you, for your money.
Thai women are not only incredibly beautiful, they are also incredibly talented at making visiting men fall in love with them (they even swap note books, and tips at their bars, designed to increase their chances of hooking a 'benefactor'). And every Thai bar girl knows, that while twenty dollars for lying on your back for the night might be worthwhile, a few hundred dollars plus every month, sent directly into your bank account from abroad, most likely from numerous men, with at most, having to hook up with them for a week or two once a year to earn it, and the occasional text or phone call, is much much nicer.
Don't Be Prey!
The majority of Thai bar girls (while working - which includes extended periods of time that she's spending with you which YOU might not class as her working) are predators. Does that make them 'evil'? Not in my book. This is their job. And they do it well. But, equally, it is your job not to become her prey.
Your Thai bar girl girlfriend will have summed you up to some degree almost instantly, and if you've spent more than twenty-four hours in her company, she will know with almost zero degree of error, whether you are the type who is going to spend the next few years sending her your monies via wire. And basically, if you've done anything more than buy the ticket and take the ride, if you've taken her out for a nice meal, or an evening at the cinema, then chance is, she'll be enjoying your hard-earned cash sometime soon (unless of course you heed the advice of those who have made the same 'mistakes' before you).
So, cut off the cash. If you really want to be sure. And sooner, rather than later, if you were hoping for the kind of relationship based on 'something more' that most Westerners relentlessly search for (though as a point of note - relationships based around financial provision are considered to be perfectly normal throughout much of Asia). Because the average Thai bar girl will soon vanish as if she never existed, the minute that funds become lacking... And should she be happy to maintain regular contact without the cash injection, and should she be counting down the days until your next visit to Thailand, when you haven't been sending her cash all year long, well, then maybe you can help her out with the financial support you'd presumably offer if able to any woman from anywhere else when in a loving and committed relationship, just as soon as she has proven herself to not be an international 'gold-digger'.
Pattaya Jet Ski Scams - Thailand
Jet skiing is fun. What isn’t so much fun though, is having all of your holiday savings scammed off of you by a group of cheating Pattaya scumbags, backed up by a corrupt police force...
The Jet ski scam in Thailand, and particularly in Pattaya, has been operating for a while now. With evidence to suggest that (at time of writing) it is becoming particularly more frequent. With more, and more tourists, and travelers in search of fun being targeted by groups of jet ski operators along Pattaya beach, and separated from their holiday cash in large chunks.
Essentially, the scam is, that the jet ski operators will use a paste, or filler of some kind, to cover pre-existing damage to their jet skis. You, before being rented the jet ski will be asked to give the jet ski a once over to prove that the jet ski is in good condition, and then, upon return, the covering will be sneakily removed, and a group of ‘angry’ Thais (Burmese, etc.) will confront you, in attempt to extract money from you, for the ‘damage’ that ‘you’ caused to their jet ski. And with jet skis not being the cheapest of machines, the amount that they will try to cheat you out of, will usually be considerable. And being surrounded by a group of angry Thais demanding cash, can be a very intimidating situation for the casual tourist/traveler. One that will likely, scare you into handing over the cash without putting up too much fight.
But still, at least you’ll have the police on your side, should you choose to report the incident. :)
Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. Because as with most scams in Thailand, it is generally believed that the notoriously corrupt Thai police force takes its cut from the scam. And historically, with regard to the jet ski scam in Pattaya, those who have sought the aid of the police for assistance, have often found that doing so, can make matters worse.
What can I do?
If you’re looking to go jet skiing in Pattaya, Thailand, and want to run zero risk of being robbed of all your cash over faked jet ski damage, all you can do is attempt to seek out an operator that offers insurance, should you be able to find one. Or seek out more organised jet skiing activities (such as a quality hotel might offer), over those offered along the beach by touts. Other than this, ultimately, if risking jet skiing along Pattaya beach, you buy the ticket, you take the ride And it could well end up being a very costly one...
The Jet ski scam in Thailand, and particularly in Pattaya, has been operating for a while now. With evidence to suggest that (at time of writing) it is becoming particularly more frequent. With more, and more tourists, and travelers in search of fun being targeted by groups of jet ski operators along Pattaya beach, and separated from their holiday cash in large chunks.
Essentially, the scam is, that the jet ski operators will use a paste, or filler of some kind, to cover pre-existing damage to their jet skis. You, before being rented the jet ski will be asked to give the jet ski a once over to prove that the jet ski is in good condition, and then, upon return, the covering will be sneakily removed, and a group of ‘angry’ Thais (Burmese, etc.) will confront you, in attempt to extract money from you, for the ‘damage’ that ‘you’ caused to their jet ski. And with jet skis not being the cheapest of machines, the amount that they will try to cheat you out of, will usually be considerable. And being surrounded by a group of angry Thais demanding cash, can be a very intimidating situation for the casual tourist/traveler. One that will likely, scare you into handing over the cash without putting up too much fight.
But still, at least you’ll have the police on your side, should you choose to report the incident. :)
Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. Because as with most scams in Thailand, it is generally believed that the notoriously corrupt Thai police force takes its cut from the scam. And historically, with regard to the jet ski scam in Pattaya, those who have sought the aid of the police for assistance, have often found that doing so, can make matters worse.
What can I do?
If you’re looking to go jet skiing in Pattaya, Thailand, and want to run zero risk of being robbed of all your cash over faked jet ski damage, all you can do is attempt to seek out an operator that offers insurance, should you be able to find one. Or seek out more organised jet skiing activities (such as a quality hotel might offer), over those offered along the beach by touts. Other than this, ultimately, if risking jet skiing along Pattaya beach, you buy the ticket, you take the ride And it could well end up being a very costly one...
Ms Hard Rock Pattaya - An Alternative Thai Beauty Pageant
A prominent landmark, and social hangout, the Hard Rock Cafe, Pattaya (part of the American chain of themed restaurants, and hotels), located along Pattaya beach road, plays host to the ‘Ms Hard Rock Pattaya’ competition - a beauty pageant of sorts designed to showcase the varied talents of some of Pattaya's hottest women folk.
With a first prize of 30,000 baht, the competition attracts a number of entrants, with the only real criteria for entry being that competitors must be female, of Thai nationality, and over the age of twenty. The potential Ms Hard Rock’s of Pattaya, are judged upon a number of criteria. From their ‘Rock style’ (where individuality of look scores big points), through to being quizzed on their music knowledge (an essential for the Hard Rock Cafe), and of course, upon their ‘beach style’, because any great Ms Hard Rock Pattaya has to look awesome in a skimpy bikini (this is Pattaya after all).
Usually held in September, the contests prize package for the winning girl also includes paid photo shoots, and other promotional work for the Hard Rock Cafe chain. And as of 2012, the contest winner can also go on to compete for the title of ‘Ms Hard Rock Southeast Asia, going head-to-head against the winners of similar pageants held in the likes of Bali, and Malaysia.
What makes the Ms Hard Rock Pattaya contest different from other similar pageants? The 2012 winner, ‘Cattaleeya Schulze’, arguably summed it up best by cheekily stating that “To me, Ms. Hard Rock is not a regular beauty contest, it is all about talent, personality, attitude and style.” - qualities that the beautiful Miss Schulze displayed in abundance.
With a first prize of 30,000 baht, the competition attracts a number of entrants, with the only real criteria for entry being that competitors must be female, of Thai nationality, and over the age of twenty. The potential Ms Hard Rock’s of Pattaya, are judged upon a number of criteria. From their ‘Rock style’ (where individuality of look scores big points), through to being quizzed on their music knowledge (an essential for the Hard Rock Cafe), and of course, upon their ‘beach style’, because any great Ms Hard Rock Pattaya has to look awesome in a skimpy bikini (this is Pattaya after all).
Usually held in September, the contests prize package for the winning girl also includes paid photo shoots, and other promotional work for the Hard Rock Cafe chain. And as of 2012, the contest winner can also go on to compete for the title of ‘Ms Hard Rock Southeast Asia, going head-to-head against the winners of similar pageants held in the likes of Bali, and Malaysia.
What makes the Ms Hard Rock Pattaya contest different from other similar pageants? The 2012 winner, ‘Cattaleeya Schulze’, arguably summed it up best by cheekily stating that “To me, Ms. Hard Rock is not a regular beauty contest, it is all about talent, personality, attitude and style.” - qualities that the beautiful Miss Schulze displayed in abundance.
Finding Cheap Flights to Thailand from the UK on eBay
If you’re hoping to score a cheap flight to Thailand from the UK, and aren’t committed to any specific dates. You may find the following tip useful.
If you’re not aware of it, eBay does have a fairly active ‘Flight Tickets’ category. Where those who have booked holidays in the land of smiles, but who, for whatever reason, are forced to cancel, are able to offer their flight tickets, and/or packages for sale to bidders. Usually, those who are forced to sell their flights in this manner, unable to get a refund from their operator, are often selling close to the date of departure, and are just trying to recoup whatever they can.
To search for flights on ebay.co.uk, click on the ‘all categories’ on the ebay home page. Next choose ‘Holidays and Travel’, (and if primarily interested in just flights, select the category ‘Flight Tickets). You can now either browse through the category, or use the search box, by typing in something like ‘Thailand’, to check if there are any flights/holidays being offered for sale.
If there aren’t, at the time of searching, (and this is the tip), you can store saved searches in ebay (you’d be surprised how many people don’t know about this option). And what this does is, every time somebody lists a new item that matches your search criteria (i.e. Thailand - in the Holidays/Flights section), emails you to the email address associated with your ebay account, to let you know of new listings. So that you’ll never again miss out on any cheap flights to Thailand that might pop up on ebay.
And if you’re particularly free and easy with travel dates, and departure points, you could score a real bargain (I have). And additionally of course, if it doesn’t necessarily have to be Thailand that you’re looking to visit, this also works for any other search criteria too (and also works on most non-UK ebay sites too).
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If you’re not aware of it, eBay does have a fairly active ‘Flight Tickets’ category. Where those who have booked holidays in the land of smiles, but who, for whatever reason, are forced to cancel, are able to offer their flight tickets, and/or packages for sale to bidders. Usually, those who are forced to sell their flights in this manner, unable to get a refund from their operator, are often selling close to the date of departure, and are just trying to recoup whatever they can.
To search for flights on ebay.co.uk, click on the ‘all categories’ on the ebay home page. Next choose ‘Holidays and Travel’, (and if primarily interested in just flights, select the category ‘Flight Tickets). You can now either browse through the category, or use the search box, by typing in something like ‘Thailand’, to check if there are any flights/holidays being offered for sale.
If there aren’t, at the time of searching, (and this is the tip), you can store saved searches in ebay (you’d be surprised how many people don’t know about this option). And what this does is, every time somebody lists a new item that matches your search criteria (i.e. Thailand - in the Holidays/Flights section), emails you to the email address associated with your ebay account, to let you know of new listings. So that you’ll never again miss out on any cheap flights to Thailand that might pop up on ebay.
And if you’re particularly free and easy with travel dates, and departure points, you could score a real bargain (I have). And additionally of course, if it doesn’t necessarily have to be Thailand that you’re looking to visit, this also works for any other search criteria too (and also works on most non-UK ebay sites too).
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Thailand Scams - Tuk-Tuk and Petrol Coupons
While you might have been hoping for a tour of the more scenic areas of your holiday spot, you’ll find that your driver is more inclined to take you on a tour of a more commercial nature. At some playing on your sensibilities, by explaining that if you’d be willing to visit a shop he knows (his brothers, uncles, whoevers), he’ll be rewarded with free petrol coupons.
You had no specific agenda in mind when you set out, and as a wealthy foreign traveler, feeling a little sorry for your poor Thai driver, who in these hard times could obviously use all the free petrol coupons he could get, you agree. And so your tour begins.
You’ll be whisked around the city, from one stop to the next. Delivered by Tuk-Tuk to sellers of fine art sculptures, electronics, jewellry, and to high priced restaurants. Establishments, that form deals with Tuk-Tuk drivers, and pay them commissions, both upon final sales, but also for every potential customer they can bring through their doors.
As scams go, in general, the Thai Tuk-Tuk scam is not among the most severe. Tourists are not usually forced into visiting these establishments, by means other than a persistent cajoling. And as long as you keep your wits about you, and your guard up, you should come away from your tour with, at worst, your wallet a little lighter (or considerably so), than when you began. With the main problem, with this scam for tourists ultimately being in lost time. Because if you’re not the incredibly rich globe-trotter that many Thai’s will believe you to be. And you’ve saved up all year for a single week or two, in the exotic land of smiles. A day lost to the sneaky shenanigans of the commission seeking Thai Tuk-Tuk driver, is a day (and a memory) you’ll never have spent doing something far more rewarding.
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The Samurai Pork Burger - Eating at McDonalds in Thailand
The Samurai Pork Burger is a burger common only to (at time of writing) Thailand. And is a burger made up of a pork patty, salad, and teriyaki sauce (A Japanese sauce made of soy sauce, sake or sherry, sugar, ginger, and seasonings). Priced at around 50 baht (if I remember correctly), the Samurai Pork Burger is a must try for McDonalds lovers abroad -and makes for an interesting alternative to the usual selection of cheese-laden beef.
Taking their name from the ‘Samurai’ (a powerful military caste in feudal Japan), the Samurai Pork burger are also available from time-to-time in Malaysia. Though as a seasonal promotional item, rather than as a permanent menu fixture, as in Thailand. And a similar burger is also offered to customers in China, though there it goes by the name of ‘Shogun Burger’.
Other Thailand specific items served up by McDonalds in the Land of Smiles include: Jasmine rice patties, the Caribbean shrimp burger, and a salad shaker based on som tam papaya salad.
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Nakorn Ping Hotel Review - A Quiet Hotel Near Khao San Road
A
ten minute walk from Khao San road (a good thing if you want to near
the hustle and bustle of that particular street, but not necessarily
within it), the Nakorn Ping is a hotel that came recommended by a
bargirl friend of a Thai girl I’d been knocking around with at the time.
And if anybody is likely to be able to offer good advice on quality
budget accommodation in Bangkok (having spent more time in the budget
hotels of Bangkok than the average person probably has) it’s a Thai
bargirl. And, as it turned, it was advice gratefully received.
The Nakorn Ping would most likely not be a suitable hotel for my best friend, who craves eternity pools, and elegant Thai silk sheets. But as a budget hotel, that offers clean rooms, generally friendly staff, air conditioning (should you be be willing to pay a small premium), television, fridge, and a working shower (99% of the time), the Nakorn Ping, while being somewhat dated in appearance, offers great value for money. For those more interested in what lies outside of their room, than inside it.
With a clientele made up primarily of the less raucous cross-section of backpackers, and with the occasional sex-tourist thrown in, the Nkorn Ping is located on ‘Soi Samsen 6’, and in addition to be within easy walking distance (or an even easier Tuk-Tuk ride) of Khao San Road, it’s also close to the Chao Praya River, where a small coin or two (I forget the exact fare) will buy you riverboat passage to a wide selection of Bangkok’s temples, monuments, and to the epic Grand Palace. Just be sure to check what time the last boat back is. ;) (though of course a Tuk-Tuk is never very far away).
Enter through the greenery shrouded entrance, into the slightly antiquated, but somewhat charming reception area, where in addition to the check in desk, you’ll find a room providing internet access, and a freezer filled with ice-creams, should you fancy such things, and for around 500 baht (at time of writing) you can book yourself a simple, clean room. The perfect location from which the budget conscious traveler can begin their Bangkok adventure. Or for the more seasoned traveler to take time out, and recover from more exhaustive endeavors.
Visit the Nakorn Ping Hotel Online: HERE for more information.
The Nakorn Ping would most likely not be a suitable hotel for my best friend, who craves eternity pools, and elegant Thai silk sheets. But as a budget hotel, that offers clean rooms, generally friendly staff, air conditioning (should you be be willing to pay a small premium), television, fridge, and a working shower (99% of the time), the Nakorn Ping, while being somewhat dated in appearance, offers great value for money. For those more interested in what lies outside of their room, than inside it.
With a clientele made up primarily of the less raucous cross-section of backpackers, and with the occasional sex-tourist thrown in, the Nkorn Ping is located on ‘Soi Samsen 6’, and in addition to be within easy walking distance (or an even easier Tuk-Tuk ride) of Khao San Road, it’s also close to the Chao Praya River, where a small coin or two (I forget the exact fare) will buy you riverboat passage to a wide selection of Bangkok’s temples, monuments, and to the epic Grand Palace. Just be sure to check what time the last boat back is. ;) (though of course a Tuk-Tuk is never very far away).
Enter through the greenery shrouded entrance, into the slightly antiquated, but somewhat charming reception area, where in addition to the check in desk, you’ll find a room providing internet access, and a freezer filled with ice-creams, should you fancy such things, and for around 500 baht (at time of writing) you can book yourself a simple, clean room. The perfect location from which the budget conscious traveler can begin their Bangkok adventure. Or for the more seasoned traveler to take time out, and recover from more exhaustive endeavors.
Visit the Nakorn Ping Hotel Online: HERE for more information.
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