Yo. Back from PP folks. What can I say - Bangkok rules. From the moment I landed I was happy to see some Thai girls, rap in the local lingo, and get a date with a Thai taxi driver. What is up with that new way they queue the taxi’s at the airport? Since the last time I flew in from Penang they have moved the meter taxi line to the upper floors and you feel like you are on the meet your taxi driver date show. As a passenger you queue in one line and wait for the attendant to ask you where u are going and he gives u a yellow ticket. Another attendant is getting the white taxi slip from the diver and before u know it you meet face to face as the two lines converge. Unfortunately my driver was a dude from Isaan and he was not too cute. Better luck next time I guess.
I will write up a full report regarding Phnom Penh within the next few days. I enjoy the place for a few days but honestly I have a better time in Bangkok. Had a nice dinner with Jake Needham the other night at La Bouchon in Patpong. Very tasty affair. Jake and I are trying to line up a lunch with Sean Crispin from The Asia Times but that has yet to surface. I ate last night at Charley’s Browns on Soi 11. Good stuff. Have not been out to party too much since we are working nonstop on securing Mango 2 and of course P4 still lives.
If anyone has any updates to send in on the partying - whether it be in Bkk, Phukett or Saigon, please send it in. I can edit.
more soon…
Is it still 20 dollars at the airport for a 30 day visa and to get your passport stamped? Did you see any hassles with westerners getting into Thailand?
I heard that it was recommended now to get your entry in Thailand visa at your native country.
I remember just lining up at customs at the airport in Bangkok, giving them $20, they stamp your passport and staple in a 30 day visa, and take a photo.
Is it more difficult now after the coup and the new laws?
Did you see anyone being questioned?
View all comments by ArtTv
Forget all that stuff. Let’s get right to the really important question: did you get laid?
View all comments by Old Asia Hand
a - still 20 USD on the way in and 25 USD on the way out. Freaking expensive if u ask me. I had a photo handy so that was no issue. Seems they just take your money and wave you in. I talked to people who pay the business visa and don’t even have any paperwork to show why. Seems it is all pretty easy. Big difference from Thailand but given some of the people I chatted with I don’t mind it since it helps to keep the riff-raff out.
OAH - Kind a sort of.
View all comments by smitty
@ArtTV - Not sure how it is different from US citizens, but I visited BKK and just got a 30-day tourist stamp with nothing to pay (I’m a Brit). The ladies at passport control were very serious looking but I was forewarned about that.. and standing behind the color line.
View all comments by petey