Unavowed

Unless you have history of overstaying you will be fine. I've been asked once or twice when I'm leaving Thailand and have showed them my (genuine) return flight booking in an app. They're not going to get it forensically analysed, all they want to know is if you're a genuine tourist and not going to overstay. If you're really worried then book the cheapest flight you can find to Cambodia, Malaysia or Indonesia.

Try this: https://onwardticket.com/en

In the last year I’ve used Nam’s taxis several times and it cost 1500 between Sukhumvit to Pattaya, and 1200 between Suvarnabhumi and Pattaya. I’m pretty sure that on one occasion the cost was slightly higher because they didn’t have a small car available.

Thanks for the review@Denbosch1971 Asking for a 1k deposit per day is ridiculous. You mentioned that you used loyalty points so assume you use Accor hotels regularly in which case I can only guess the deposit request is due to the location and perhaps some ‘difficult’ guests! I’ve stayed at the Novotel in Soi 22 (or was it 24) and find this brand to be a solid choice.

I had a Thai doctor prescribe Norfloxacin 400 some years ago and when I asked a pharmacist for this time ago he recommended Ciprofloxacin as this was a more potent antibiotic for more persistent cases. With the changes in time zone, more boozing, different food etc stomach issues are not uncommon but avoid antibiotics unless it really is persistent. Another good option are charcoal tablets you can pick up from 7/11 which is helpful to settle your stomach after a rough night!

Strictly three days before. Same for Singapore and Malaysia too

The Ban Rak area is also great to visit. Short walk to Talat Noi and then up to China Town. It’s good to have these reviews as I like to take a break from lower Suk. One of my favourite spots even though focused on tourists is Jacks Bar which is not far away. Just a great spot if you want a few relaxed afternoon beers by the river. Cheap prices, decent food and opposite Icon Siam where you can watch the comings and goings on the Chai Phraya.

A vaguely related question since the OP asked about travel, but is the (supposed) crackdown on not wearing helmets on moto taxis being enforced or has this gone back to normal now? If I go to Thonglo I usually take the BTS and then a moto from the corner and don’t fancy a 2,000 baht fine!

I stayed at both the Soi 11 and then Soi 8 locations for around 3-4 nights each recently. I would say you get good value for money, and if I had to choose I would go for the Soi 11 location despite the street noise simply because I found the Soi 8 location too far down the way (and I couldn't get the tuk tuk to collect me using Line!). The gym at each location was pretty basic, but good enough for a decent workout. That said, it's unlikely that I would book either of these again as I think there are better options for the same or marginally higher prices that make up for either the street noise (Soi 11) or distance to the action (Soi 8). For Soi 11 I would go for the Mercure every time, especially as they always put me at the back of the building where its quiet. But as @Denbosch1971 points out in the review above, for a long stay you get a big room for a reasonable price, but don't expect 5 star quality.

Just to add to this, I stayed here for five nights at the end of my recent trip. It was my first stay at this particular Hyatt hotel and it was very good. I had a standard room and found it to be a good size and well laid out; the fixtures and fittings were in good condition; big and comfortable bed with nice bedding, and for they also took account of my request for plenty of towels (I just need to shower more in the heat and I also have guests!). The room service team were responsive and excellent too. I didn't bother with breakfast or go to the restaurant area with all the options available locally, but they had a pretty decent gym, but could do with dumbells heavier than 20kgs but at least you can load the machines up more. The pool area is nice to chill, especially in the evening and I even spotted a video games corner if you're into that too. I went up to the rooftop bar twice. The first on my own where I used a discount voucher I was given when I checked in. The staff gave me an extra discount on a second drink without asking, and the second time with a LB guest. The staff there were nothing but polite, respectful and always helpful. Front desk and concierge were excellent, and of course absolutely no issue with bringing back guests. Sure its pricey, but its in a great location and while it wouldn't be my 'primary' hotel its definitely somewhere I would go if I wanted a bit more luxury.

Maybe so but it’s free and I don’t imagine the mods make a baht giving up their time to give us a space to share our ‘unique’ interests!

They’ve finally finished the terrace at the Landmark. I walked past earlier and seems to be a few bars and restaurants. The Landmark is at least quieter if you’re a light sleeper but the Adelphi is not if you get a room facing the Soi. I also remember the water temperature and pressure being temperamental at the Adelphi. But the rooms are bigger and better laid out in the Adelphi. At a push I’d go for the Adelphi and hope for a quieter room

I was surprised there weren't any direct flights from the US. It must have been a pain getting to Thailand especially with most US companies offering so little personal leave. I'm glad that it's "only" a 9 hour flight from Australia. The daytime Thai airways flights are fine, but I'm definitely getting to the point that I need to book business class or a stopover for anything longer than that or when it involves an overnight leg.

It can happen. Even though they are ‘working’ LBs get horny and sometimes test the boundaries or maybe just drunk. It’s happened to me and it’s about maintaining your boundaries. If it’s consensual then that’s up to you to weigh the risk. I expect most do take PrEP but of course that doesn’t prevent other STDs. Despite always using condoms I will get checked when I arrive home. I have had one situation where she told me that the condom broke (this can happen) and I was happy that she was honest with me about it.

We need a regular @SAGuy food column! I expect that place will be popular with the older ex-pats. But you next challenge is to take a date there and documenting her reaction. That could be very entertaining ..."I don't like!!"