Pattaya Guide June 2009

Jewellery Zone - Ground Floor

Stores with the very best in jewellery and gems.

The Jewellery Zone on the ground floor of Pattaya’s newest and largest shopping mall at Central Festival Pattaya Beach has a collection of the most dazzling jewellery and gems. There are designs to suit all tastes, trends and budgets Visit the featured stores for all the latest styles, deals and discounts...

Jewellery Zone - Ground Floor

Stores with the very best in jewellery and gems.

Contents History Of PattayA

7

Useful phone numbers

8

Getting Around

10

Pattaya Map

12

Jomtien Map

14

Good Food Guide

16

microphone wars

30

Nightlife Guide

32

Are you a Minvestor?

38

Koh Chang

40

Outside Pattaya

42

Sports and Activities in Pattaya

44

Golf Guide

56

Accommodation

63

Health And Fitness

68

Services Guide

70

Visa Information

82

Shopping Guide

87

Real Estate Guide

90

6

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: 086 832 3967 Email: [email protected] 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 kitesurfing. 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

7

Useful phone numbers Pattaya City Phone Center

1337

Emergencies Police Emergency

191

Sawang Boriboon Foundation

038 488 882

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 086 832 3967 8

ThePattayaGuide | Useful Phone Numbers

199 1719

Maela Pla Phoa

A LA TURCA

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE Pattaya’s most popular restaurants

lent l e c x E rvice! Se

Vientiane Restaurant

RUSSIAN RESTAURANT

Restaurant Bar Nong

t Nigh3am e t a L Till Menu

Bar, Restaurant & Guesthouse

tequila reef cantina

Simply call: Order online: www.door2doorpattaya.com PATTAYA

&

J O M T I E N

ENGLISH, AMERICAN, MEXICAN, AND THAI FOOD

Globetrotter Black Bush Co,.Ltd.

YOUR LOCAL FROM HOME

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. 10

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

11

Pattaya Map

Mini Siam

Police Box

P

To Chonburi & Ba

A.R.C.

H Bangkok Pattaya

Air Con Bus Station to BBK

North Pattaya Road

ngkok

Police Box Tesco Lotus

Thai Garden Resort & Moon River Pub

P

3rd Road Soi 1

Easy Visa Big C

Best To Naklua

Sanctuary of Truth

Garden Sea View

Woodland

1 Dusit

Asiawan Resort Garden Cliff

12

P.I. Hospital

Amari

Long Beach Garden

ThePattayaGuide | Pattaya Map

2

3

4

H

Soi Nern Pl ub wan

KCR Homefinder

Bus Station to Northern Thailand

P Police Box Sukhumvit Road Nick The Pizza Premi Air

Foodland

Soi Bongkot

Valentino Carrefour

Paradise City Properties

Modern Smile

X-Zyte Disco Newspaper Direct Soi Boukhao

Pattaya Memorial

H

Witherspoons

LK Metro

Take It Easy

Golden Homes

2nd Road

Big Horn Shenanigans

P

Tops 5

Soi Lenkee

TOT Telephone

Central Pattaya Road

Venus Lounge

Soi Diana

TBAC

Soi Chaiyapoon

KPK

6

Central Festival

Police Box

Sportsman Soi Yodsak

Siam Gentleman’s Club

Siam Country Club

Siam Golf

Nova Lodge

9 Tequlia Reef Police Station 7 8

P

Jewellery Zone-G/F 10

11

12

Beach Road

Five Star 13 Visa Runs

Pattaya Beach :- Real Estate

:- Shopping

:- Restaurant & Bar

:- Services

:- Activities

H :- Hospital :- Hotel

Pattaya Map | ThePattayaGuide

13

Soi Khaotalo

Soi Wat Tham Samakkee

Jomtien Map Highway Police Station

P

P Police Box

P Police BoxTesco Lotus

Outlet Mall

d

Manhattans

Café des Amis

Roa

Thai Decor Beach Properties Pattaya Golf.com

Phr ata m

nak

Stork Club Ahaar Indian Soi Yamoto Soi Post Office

Open Advertising

Adventure Divers

South Pattaya Ro

7

Amor Restaurant Café New Orleans

Post Horn Bar

Walkin g

Blues Factory :- Easy Kart

Street

Siam Bayshore Mountian Beach

Ialand View

Sheraton Cosy Beach

14

17

d

i1

Roa

Northern Thai Reality & Export

So

7

asit

Soi Buakhao

P Police Box

pp The

ad

Big C

ThePattayaGuide | Jomtien Map

Royal Cliff

Asia Pattaya

Pattaya Bay

Soi Norng Kraborg

Soi Chaiyapruk 2

To Rayong, Sattahip & U-Tapao Airport

Sukhumvit Road

Pattaya Properties

Simon’s Fish & Chips

Post Office

Grand Palace Hotel

Immigration

Shenanigans

Bus to Bangkok

9 5

7 ien Jomt

ad

h Ro

Beac

Pattaya Park

Police Box P

Jomtien Beach P

g

B tan

:- Shopping

Police Box

Adriatic

n Do

ruk

Welcome Jomtien

Soi Chaiyap

Royal Garden

n

North Shore

o at Bo Soi W

East Furniture & Interiors

Underwater World

e

h ac

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

:- Services

H :- Hospital :- Hotel

Jomtien Map | ThePattayaGuide

15

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. 16

ThePattayaGuide | good food guide

For Home Deliveries Please Call Door 2 Door 038 720 222

Phone:- 038 710 609

KPK FOOD SERVICE KPK FOOD SERVICE Fine Quality English Foods - Both Wholesale & Retail KPK Foods have been delivering the finest foods to hotels and restaurants for the last 4 years. We supply a wide selection of quality fresh and cooked meats, savoury pastries and all the accompanying food products to Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard. As well as supplying hotels and restaurants KPK Foods also cater for your home cooking. Customers can buy direct from our retail outlet, located behind Carrefour, just off Soi Yume. The outlet is open from 10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday. There is plenty of parking space outside the shop. If you can’t get down to our outlet you can call our hotline 086 145 0147 and place an order. We have a comprehensive product and price list on our website www.kpkfoods.com All orders received will be delivered to you the next day and in perfect condition by our refrigerated vehicle delivery service. We will also do our very best to accommodate your needs in the case of any very urgent orders you may require outside this time-scale.

Some of our best selling products... Beef, Pork, Sausages, Burgers, Bacon, Gammon, Lamb, Veal, Pastry & Pies, also available Baked Beans (not Heinz but close to it) PG Tips, Tetley Tea Bags, Colmans Mustard, Branson Pickle plus new products every month!!!

www.kpkfoods.com 24-HOUR WHOLESALE HOTLINE - 038-416-470 (English : 086 145 0147) - Fax 038 416 471 Orders before 4pm - Guaranteed next day delivery Monday-Saturday Email us for more information - [email protected] - www.kpkfoods.com

KPK FOOD SERVICE FINE ENGLISH FOOD & FRESH MEAT Quality Assured Everytime

Wholesale & Retail Supplier to Hotels, Bars & Restaurants Bacon, Sausages, Black Pudding, Beef, Fresh Pork, Steaks & Imported Lamb

The Sportsman

FLAMBOYANT Creative Cuisine

Witherspoons

E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 038 416 470 Mob: 086 145 0147 (English) Fax 038 416 471 www.kpkfoods.com

days a week Open t7ill 12 midnight n 12 noo One of the finest Indian Cuisine in the City of Pattaya Soi Post Office, off 2nd Road

Soi Post Office

Soi Yamoto

Tel: 038 711 151 Royal Garden Plaza

For Home Deliveries Please Call Door 2 Door 038 720 222

SERVING PATTAYA FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS, OUR

EXTENSIVE MENU OFFERS FINE DINING AT AFFORDABLE PRICES. SITUATED IN THE HEART OF SOUTH PATTAYA. VISIT US AND EXPERIENCE ELEGANT DINING IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE!

NO ONE MAKES ’ EM LIKE US!

RESTAURANT

Soi Pattayaland 2 (13/4) Between the Royal Garden & the Walking Street Phone:- 038 710 805/6 Fax:- 038 710 283 www.cafeneworleans.info [email protected]

Manhattans Restaurant & Bar

WORLD-CLASS CUISINE

Manhattans is famous for its top quality grain fed Angus steaks from the U.S. and Australia, flame grilled to perfection by their excutive chef, but they have much more than just steaks. The seafood is fresh and succulent and the Thai food tantalizingly spicy. Other international dishes are superb, and the desserts are sinfully delicious. You’ll feel very relaxed in the stylish restaurant where the service is friendly and professional, and to complement your meal the extensive wine list, or the Wine by the Glass Menu, are sure to have something you like. Enjoy a cocktail in the piano bar before dinner, or sit and relax with your favourite port or brandy after. Manhattans has a complementary limousine to pick you up, and to take you home. It’s all part of the service. Discover us at Nirvana Place, Thappraya Road between Pattaya and Jomtien For more information and reservations call 038 259 790 or visit the website www.manhattans-pattaya.com

microphone wars Anyone who has ever entered their local pub for a quiet pint, only to be driven out by a group of inebriated middle aged divorcees and spotty oinks crowded round a microphone wailing the approximate tune of I will survive would testify that karaoke machines are one of the most infernal devices ever devised by humans....Don’t agree? OK lets take a look at its history. Firstly Karaoke was not invented in 1971 in Japan by Inouye Daisuke as many people believe, in fact it was started in bollywood by an Indian Sikh called Gitupta Singh! My first and only attempt in my local was greeted with a shower of darts and beer mats and howls of derision and that was just when I mumbled good evening … you see they were waiting for the short skirted 15 year old to screech Madonna’s like a virgin. I felt like the band in the Blues Brothers but without the cage and with head bowed and sporting a cheesy grin I ducked behind a group of hen night commiserating nurses for some TLC, my chance of becoming the next Robbie Williams was now looking more like Kenneth Williams in Carry on Matron. Karaoke in Asia is much more than just a pass time its almost greeted like the final of American Idol with wild screaming and hysterical applause, sharing the same first name Simon with Mr Cowell I have nothing but admiration for this man having to sit through hours of talent less torture... maybe it has something to do with all the Benjamin’s sitting in his back pocket. Ok so we’ve all seen the many karaoke bars here in pattaya and bkk etc, the Thais as a people seem to

30

ThePattayaGuide | microphone wars

love to copy not only merchandise but pop stars as well…don’t give up ur day job guys!. ..But its Japan we go to for my karaoke caper this is where I was forced against my will into a basement club in Roppongi( the night life area of Tokyo) to sing a duet with my mate just like in the scene from the movie Black Rain starring Michael Douglas..Luckily Andy Garcia (my mate) didn’t get his head sliced off but received a standing ovation for islands in the stream (Kenny Rogers/dolly parton…mean while I was all for turning Japanese by the vapors but the track selection was limited . Now ken my mate has reasonable pleasing tones while my singing voice can be compared to the mating call of the Q E 11 but this still didn’t deter my Johnny Walker black label swilling audience to love me for my 15 mins of fame....the owner a Mr Honshu dressed in Al Capones old suit with finger nails to make Freddy Kruger envious kindly sent two hostesses to our table bearing gifts of 12yo scotch and a cheeky little mount Fuji Saki so after a few wee drams we soon got in the swing of it and were up on the table with open shirts cheering good ol wock and woll with little wichard… sang Benny hill style of course.. the evening was bloory lubbery until we received the bill…. HOW MUCH KATO! ..being under the influence of rocket fuel and in the partial light of our booth we just gulped and looked for the exit sign… we did think about claiming it on expenses but not being British MP’s we prayed for divine intervention...the lord works in mysterious ways…. thank god for Westminster visa cards or we may have been washing up with the last samurai. Not to sing in a karaoke bar in Japan is deemed deeply offensive if asked ,so that’s what caused pearl harbor Then ! Love or loathe..karaoke.. for me the name will always stir fond memories…no not that stupid machine…. I’m talking about the blue peter cats...r.i.p …get down Shep… Rgds sg

microphone wars | ThePattayaGuide

31

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. 32

ThePattayaGuide | Nightlife Guide

location north pattaya road, in front of the thai garden resort type live music venue phone 038 370 614-8 contact danilo becker www.thaigarden.com

For reservations, please contact Danilo Becker on 038 370 614-8 or with

Open

from 2pm

SUKHUMVIT ROAD

TOT

2nd ROAD

PATTAYA KLANG

3rd ROAD

BEACH ROAD

On 3rd Road Central Pattaya

Thai : 083 English : 087

254 7036 617 4053

www.venusloungepattaya.com [email protected]

Considered by many to be the No 1 live music venue on the Eastern Seaboard and with traditional and modern music it combines to make The Blues Factory a truly excellent night time venue. Our first band “The Blues Machine” feature USA’s BB King awarding winning guitarist Ken “The Snowman” Minihan and along with the wonderful Mary and drummer Oy who was the first Thai to ever play the Montreux Jazz festival they will have you dancing to great music ranging from BB King & Muddy Waters to Etta James and Tina Turner. Our second band features the “Guitar King of Thailand” the one and only Lam Morrison Thailands most famous Rock guitarist and along with “The Rock Machine” featuring Pattaya’s hottest new guitar sensation “Nueng” they play a wide range of Rock n Roll & Classic Rock songs along with modern hits in their own inimitable style. So for a wonderful night of entertainment check out The Blues Factory on Soi Lucky Star (just off walking street and Marine Plaza), perfect for couples or singles looking for a great hassle free night out.

Many Beautiful Hostesses

Bar open from 12 noon till late ‫٭‬ The Coffee Shop Now open from 9am ‫٭‬ All day & late night breakfasts

Are you a Minvestor? by Mark Verrall

[email protected]

What is a Minvestor? It is a cross between a mug and an investor. Usually, they are people who have been here a few times on holiday, fell in love with the place and decide they want to live here. Nothing wrong with that. They have a few bob back home and make the decision to cash up and head back. They get off the plane at Suvarnabhumi sweating with the exertion of carrying their supermarket plastic bags full of money. The main problem is that they left their brain in a jar back in their home country. What they don’t realise is that Minvestor money has a distinct scent and there are land-based sharks here that can detect it from hundreds of miles away. The normal dream Minvestment was always a bar, especially of the a gogo variety. The very idea of drinking every night (just keeping an eye on things of course) ogling your ‘own’ girls and making pots of money is the Minvestor’s wildest dream come true. Owners of existing Go-go’s also regard the Minvestor as heaven sent. They persuade him to Minvest with the greatest of ease as a ‘partner’ in the sinking joint or even better, to buy them out. On occasion, it can be sincere enough, the owner seeing the money as a quick solution to cash-flow problems during the hard times. All too often though, the owner/s can barely contain their glee at having offloaded a turkey and do a little jig on their way to the bank with the bulging plastic bags.

38

ThePattayaGuide | Are you a Minvestor?

Running one of these places is hard. A friend of mine once described the job of controlling the girls as “it’s like trying to herd cats!” You can always tell a Minvestor bar owner. He’s that guy alone in the corner, hollow eyed and drinking his profits away in the gloom. Don’t talk to him for God’s sake. He will fill your ears with bitterness and ruin your night. He now hates the sight of the place and all of his staff who he regards as crafty spongers trying to squeeze the last drop of his money away, leaving him to return back to his own country penniless and in disgrace. How to avoid being a Minvestor? It’s surprisingly easy . Generally avoid bars. Unless you really know what you are doing, they are the opposite of a cash cow. Also somewhere like Pattaya needs another bar like a street dog needs a few more fleas. Ask around, check with a few other expats who have been here a while. Check also the Thailand forums on the internet. If you are buying a property, seek professional advice. Piece of cake. Also, If you have plenty of money to invest, I’ve got just the thing for you.....

Are you a Minvestor? | ThePattayaGuide

39

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. 40

ThePattayaGuide | Koh Chang

Outside Pattaya Sponsored By KCR Homefinder | Phone 038 405 167-8 Entertainment. Phew, don’t the months pass quickly and again I’m trying to meet the Pattaya Guides deadline! Since the last issue we have a couple of new places out here in the Siam Country Club Mabprachan jungle. The first being the Pepe Bar opposite the water close to Khun John’s sea food restaurant. There’s now a run of 5 or 6 single and double unit bars in the row all offering plenty of entertainment, a couple with food and the Pepe Bar competes with the best with excellent music. Most have pool tables and all have TV’s with live sports and movies. A new face on the block is Fred and his delightful lady Tar at the 19th Hole close to my offices opposite Park Village. Fred has completely changed the format and the 19th Hole is now a 100% sports and music bar. There’s a new wide screen TV with UBC connected for the games and F1, a pool table and dartboard and he wants fellas (or ladies) to help him form teams to compete in the local leagues. He also has free Wifi so bring along your laptop. The kitchen will open soon with a range of light snacks, sandwiches and fillers to soak up the beer. The reformatted Birdie Sports Bar close to the driving range is thriving and as well as being the cheapest bar out here Guy also has his MTT travel agency on the premises with on line ticketing and some exceptional offers of flights. You can have grub delivered from the Rainbow Restaurant next door as you watch the Lions and other major sports on the new SA uplinked TV system. Drink a beer, have a bite, watch the rugby and book your flight to the next game. Yes indeed the jungle has plenty to offer so take a trip out here and sample our hospitality.

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ThePattayaGuide | Outside Pattaya

Outside Pattaya Sponsored By KCR Homefinder | Phone 038 405 167-8 Feature Property. This is unusual inasmuch it offers much more than a ‘normal Phoenix house’. Updated by one of our favourite builders to a standard others aspire to, it has been extended and now as well as the main house accommodations it has independent modular en-suite, air conditioned bedrooms and an office as well as a feature outdoor bathroom with a shower and tub plus all the fittings one normally finds inside. The gardens could do with a tidy up but she likes a natural tropical feel and the trees offer security, privacy and shade however, if you wanted some changes she would be delighted to assist. In the main house on the ground floor we have a full European kitchen, a Thai kitchen, laundry, two store rooms, maid’s quarters, two lounges and an en-suite bedroom with an enormous walk in wardrobe. Upstairs and this is where it gets really interesting there are two more en-suite bedrooms an open fronted but rain free living room and this is used as the TV and entertaining room. Between the bedrooms and the living room is a large terrace complete with a Jacuzzi spa and BBQ, ideal for those balmy evenings coupled with a glass or two of your favourite wine with friends. The house and modules are obviously air conditioned and fully furnished with a lovely blend of modern comfort and traditional Thai and Burmese artifacts. Overall a place to contend with any seen at the course and very sensibly priced at 9 million baht with room for discussion. Oh yes, it’s just a one minute drive to the 1st tee, clubhouse, restaurant, pool and tennis courts. Brilliant!

Outside Pattaya | ThePattayaGuide

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Sports and Activities in Pattaya The city of Pattaya has a wide variety of activities to suit all ages and preferences. If you want to try something new, Pattaya is a great place to start. Watersports are inexpensive and very popular, they include windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, parasailing, gamefishing, snorkelling and scuba diving. On land, high energy people can choose from tennis, go-karts, squash, badminton, bowling, horse riding and boxing! Lessons are available for most sports at reasonable prices also. We have put the following guide together for all your sporting needs… Aerobics A free open-air aerobics class is held alongside the beach next to the junction of Beach Road and Soi 6 daily at 18:00. Aqua-aerobics exercise classes are held at the Dusit Resort Sports & Fitness Club (next to the Dolphin Roundabout) Badminton The Pattaya Guide Recommends – Pattaya Badminton Courts on Soi 17, 2nd road, they are open 1400 - 2400 daily, there are 4 courts. Hourly rates: 60Bt per hour, racquet rentals 20Bt, shuttlecocks 25Bt. Members fee is 500Bt month Bowling There are 3 bowling alleys in the Pattaya area. 1) Pattaya Bowl is located on Pattaya 2nd Rd in North Pattaya (opp Big C) 2) PS Bowl is on the third floor of the PS Plaza (Tops) at the corner of the Central Pattaya traffic light between Central Pattaya Road & Pattaya 2 Rd. 3) The Avenue Shopping Centre plays host to a bowling alley

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All alleys have a sufficient car parking, air-conditioning, snack bar and coffee shops, serving Thai and international dishes. Operating hours for all are from 10:00 am until late The Pattaya Guide Recommends – Pattaya Bowl, North Pattaya 20 lanes, price between 70-90 baht depending on the time of day. The complex also has 6 pool tables, 2 full-size snooker tables. 120Bt / table / hour It’sopen daily 10:0002:00, Tel: 038 429 908 Fishing For a quiet afternoon, you can fish in a local fishing parks; ponds or lakes which are all well stocked with local fish. You can hire equipment. The fishing parks charge around 80Bt / day and extra for rod hire, bait, etc., (Some parks also charge for fish caught by the kilo, if you want to take your fish away) The Pattaya Guide Recommends – North Pattaya Fishing Park also known as “Soi 3 Fishing Park” charges 100Bt / house rod, bait 20Bt / packet - and serves food and drink and has live music after dark. If you prefer to go for the big one! The waters around Manwichai, Rin and Kram islands are popular for marlin, king mackerel and barracuda. Offshore fishing trips are organised by many local operators. Enquire at the tour shops Fitness You can keep yourself in shape during your stay here at one of the many gyms that admit people on a daily / weekly or monthly basis. Tony’s on 3rd Road, South Pattaya and also in Walking Street is the most famous and offers modern equipment, swimming, tennis, Thai boxing and more. Golf / Driving Ranges Golf is a speciality of the region, with more than 20 courses within an hour’s drive (most within 30 minutes) of Pattaya, many designed by some of golf’s Activities Guide | ThePattayaGuide

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most famous names, including Nick Faldo (Great Lakes), Jack Nicklaus (Laem Chabang), Gary Player (Sri Racha) and Robert Trent Jones (Eastern Star Resort and Country Club). All offer good facilities and value for money in the 500Bt (green & caddy fee) to 2500Bt range. For more details see our golf guide, if you can’t make it to the course but fancy hitting some balls, there are plenty of golf driving ranges in the area The Pattaya Guide Recommends – Siam Golf & Driving Range, Soi Siam Country Club Tel: 038 405 166 Go Karting The Pattaya Guide Recommends – Easykart, Bali Pier (see map for location) There are 2 tracks 160 cc. (350 m.) for Kid and beginner, 270 cc. (750 m.) for Adult and advanced driver and the both track can be combined for the special event which support over 500 guest with the panoramic bar. Drivers are timed by special computerized equipment so you can also see who is the fastest in each lap. Horse Riding The Horseshoe Point Resort & Country Club offers several kinds of riding, including dressage, trail riding, jumping, polo and pony club riding for children. Located on a ranch spread of 1,500 acres with trails, paddocks and beautiful tropical gardens, the owners have turned a passion for horses into a full-fledged riding academy. It is one of South-East Asia’s largest and most respected riding schools, catering to all experience levels and offering private lessons for 1600Bt / hour (discounts available for groups of 5+ and multilesson-packages) Horseshoe Point, Tambon Pong tel 038 735 050. Jet Skis Jet skis can be hired directly from most beaches in Pattaya for around 900Bt / hour and fast speedboats can be hired by the hour or day for 1500 to 5000Bt 46

ThePattayaGuide | Activities Guide

Motorsport The Pattaya Guide Recommends – HIDESIDETOURS.COM Ride a superbike around a full size track. The guys provide the bikes, instruction and all safety gear. 7000 baht for 3 hours which includes bike, fuel, instruction, safety gear and hotle pick up. Call 089 119 0000 for further details Muay Thai Tony’s Gym & Muay Thai Academy, Third Road is open 14:30 - 20:30. Two prices for everything - the lower price if you’re already paying to use the attached gym, otherwise the higher price: 180 - 280Bt / day, 950 - 1400Bt / week, 1500 - 2400Bt / fortnight, 2000 -1490Bt / 3 weeks, 2800 - 3900Bt / month - or 1500 - 2300Bt for 10 visits (no expiry date). Parasailing / Parascending Speedboat-towed parachute rides are available along the main beaches and in Pattaya Bay from several large floating platforms with speedboats ferrying customers out from the shore - typically about 500Bt / flight Sailing The most popular boats for hire are small Lasers, Prindles and Hobie Cats, which can be rented by the hour. You can sail year round in Pattaya’s waters. For further information regarding charter, boat hire and weather conditions The Pattaya Guide Recommends – Serenity Shipyard Tel: 081 577 4428 Swimming Most hotels and condos of any size have at least one swimming pool. Alternatively, if yours hasn’t, others are happy to have you as a daily

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guest of their pool for a small charge. Most people who come to this seaside resort also enjoy swimming in the warm tropical sea. Mike Shopping Mall also has a large rooftop pool available for public use take the elevator or stairs up to the 10th floor.There’s a very small snacks counter and a good view of most of Pattaya Bay. Get there early to grab one of the sun loungers, and don’t forget your swimming costume (shorts are not permitted). Open 11:00-19:00, 80Bt / adult, 60Bt / child, or 1600Bt for a one month pass. Scuba Diving Pattaya is also one of the oldest diving centres in this part of Asia. It has a year round diving season with good visibility, & a sea temperature of around 28C which means that there is a rich variety of marine life & coral. Scuba dive training and trips for a wide range of ability levels and interests, certified by a number of different organisations, including both NAUI and PADI, are available through numerous dive shops. Several diving courses are available in Pattaya. These range from one to four days, depending upon the proficiency one desires to reach and the type of diving one wants to learn. The islands far from the shore take longer to reach but are lot quieter and do not suffer from the speedboat and jet-ski traffic of the islands nearer to Pattaya. The Pattaya Guide Recommends – Adventure Divers and Watersports Tel: 038 364 453 (Tappraya Road) For all your diving needs PaintBall Park The Pattaya Guide Recommends – Paintball Park, Off Thepprasit Road Paintball Park is Pattaya’s premier paintball venue. Large, open playing area with state-of-the-art equipment. Ample parking facilities for cars and 48

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coaches. Cold drinks available. Their facilities include both toilets and showers. Jump suits available for rent. Tennis Most of the major hotels in Pattaya have tennis courts. Although the facilities are opened to everyone, guests are given preference on court bookings. Tennis coaches are in residence at courts in most of these hotels. Instruction fees range from 100Bt to 150Bt / hour. Court rentals vary in each hotel, but in most cases play is free for guests. If you are not able to use the hotels facilities The Pattaya Guide Recommends Tony’s Tennis Club, Third Road Windsurfing October through June are the best months for professionals. Beginners have a better opportunity to get started when the winds are light during the morning. There are about 20 surf schools, mostly on Jomtien Beach. Winds vary throughout the year from 5 km in the morning with stiffer sea breezes in the late afternoon. International tourneys are held in early December, the Siam World Cup with national races is usually held in mid-April. The Pattaya Guide Recommends Club Loongchat, located 1Km from ambassador hotel. Call Pop on 081 340 2180 for further information or visit clubloongchat.com Activities Guide | ThePattayaGuide

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Write a Pat t aya G ui d e 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

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Pattaya Kart Speedway Paintball Park

Thappraya Road Jomtien Beach Road

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Adventure Divers & Watersports organisation padi location thappaya road, between Pattaya & Jomtien phone 038 364 453 or 089 252 5026 contact Robert www.pattayadivers.com

Golf Guide Sponsored By Fairways golf range & resort | Phone 038 413 636 1. Bangpra International | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 341 151 2. Burapha Golf Club | 36 hole par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 345 153 3. Chonburi Century C.C. | 18 hole par 72 | Course 3 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 01 304 1545 4. Crystal bay Golf Club | 27 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 349 365 5. Eastern Star Golf Club | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 630 418 6. Emerald Golf Club | 18 hole par 72 | Course 3 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 941 044 7. Great Lake Golf Club | 36 hole par 72 | Course 3 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 622 630 8. Green Wood | 27 holes par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 261 58 9. Khao Kheow C.C. | 27 hole par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 298 226 10. Laem Chabang | 27 hole par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 372 275 11. Mountain Shadow | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 389 210 12. Pattana Sport Club | 27 hole par 73,74 | Course 4 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 318 999 13. Pattaya Country Club | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 423 718 14. Phoenix Country Club | 27 hole par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 239 391 15. Rayong Green Valley | 18 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 893 838 16. Royal Thai Navy | 36 hole par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 701 843 17. Siam Country Club | 18 holes par 72 | Course 5 Clubhouse 5 | Phone 038 249 381-6 18. St Andrews 2000 | 18 holes par 74 | Course 4 Clubhouse 4 | Phone 038 893 838-42 19. Treasure Hills | 18 holes Par 72 | Course 4 Clubhouse 3 | Phone 038 488 349

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To BANGKOK 34 7

To CHACHOENGSAO

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GOLF COURSE MAP

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CHONBURI

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SI RACHA 3241

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PATTAYA

GULF of THAILAND

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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!

Learn To Play Golf t
The Swing t
Addressing The Ball t
Putting t
Chip t
Bunker t
Fairway Driver With over 40 years experience within the golf profession, Harold is one of the best, most knowledgeable golf instructors in Thailand. Having played all the local (and not so local) courses hundreds of times gives Harold the unique insight into what each course has to offer any golfer, from beginner to professional.

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

Fairways Golf Range and Resort Anybody that has played golf in Pattaya knows that the courses here are some of the best in the world. They are professionally run, well managed and well maintained establishments. One complaint I often hear when out talking to other golfers is the poor quality of the golf practice facilities in Pattaya, they do not really live up to the quality of the courses to be found here Well this month I visited the newly renovated, Fairways Golf Range and Resort (formally pride/paradise golf range). The range has a 26 Bay floodlit driving area, practice bunkers, chipping areas, putting green and is conveniently located at the top of Central Pattaya Road. Other facilities include a full size indoor air conditioned golf simulator which is used to play many of the world’s top golf courses including St Andrews, rates start at just 900 baht per hour, a typical round of golf with 4 players takes about an hour and a half. The simulator is provided by John Reeves, a PGA professional golfer from America who is available to offer golf lessons too. The simulator can also be used to offer professional video golf lessons where you can match your swing against Tiger Woods on the screen from just 1200 baht per hour . Every driving range needs a pro shop and this one is one exception. Mr. Scott (Chakaj Warunaprabha) a PGA professional from Thailand runs the onsite pro shop. Mr Scott has been a PGA in the local area for the last 6 years and is currently working on establishing a golf academy at the range for

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elite junior golfers. He already has 14 very talented young golfers who he teaches on a daily basis. Accommodation is also available. There are 20 rooms available for short and long term letting. Rates are 650 baht daily, 3400 baht weekly and 8500 baht monthly. Each room has cable TV, fridge, hot showers and air con and use of the communal swimming pool. There are also plans to run a golf society from the range when the bar and restaurant is finished For more information on anything from golf tours, to having lesson or or just wanting club hire, feel free to call Gavin or Shane at Fairways Golf Range & Resort on 038 413636 or check out their web-site at: www.pattayagolfresort.com.

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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

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“The Company You Can Trust”

Holding the keys to business opportunities in Pattaya

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3rd Road 2nd Road

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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. 68

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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. 70

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. 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 82

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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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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 2008): 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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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. Malls

Central Festival 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, P.S. Plaza is at the junction of Second Road and Central Pattaya 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 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)

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“Designs for life” Water Hyacinth Bamboo & Coconut Inlay Eco Friendly Products Rugs, Cushions & Textiles Custom Made Sofas Outdoor & Poolside Furniture Full Turn-Key Packages Available

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EAST Furniture & Interiors Next To Pattaya Properties Tel: 038 252 201 / 081 863 6752

Open (mon - sat) 10am - 6pm email: [email protected]

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. 90

ThePattayaGuide | Real Estate Guide

Buyers Market Sponsored By paradise city property | Phone 038 373 966 Everyday I hear people complaining about the world’s economic climate, the slow trading, the fluctuating exchange rates, the increased in the cost of living here in Thailand. The current property market here in Thailand has also taken a hit for the worse, and there are fewer buyers here, but they are still out there. We have found over the last few months that trade has been very steady, and this is due to a number of factors, one in particular that we have been able to introduce to clients, in the form of private loans from property owners wishing to sell. Now, with the way the market has been over the last six months, many owners outlook on life as an Expat living here in Thailand have change. Many foreigners living on pensions are struggling with the decrease in the exchange rates, bringing their incomes down, but there is something else that has happened that has been good to the Thailand property market, with buyers that bought property here over the last few years, when the exchange rates were up there in the high sixties, or even seventies, some of these people that are looking to sell, some wishing to relocate due to the increased living cost, can now afford to sell their properties at upto 30% less than the original purchase price, and still get back what they paid for it. Coinciding with this we have seen a large number of house & condo owners offering private finance on the sale of their properties. With the decrease in interest rates on savings, it has driven property sellers to look at the fact that, given that they can offer a potential buyer the option of paying a large sum down and having finance over a period of years, these property sellers are now in a position where they are increasing their clientele base, due to the fact that foreigners don’t have the simple option of gaining bank finance here in Thailand. This financing has also been grasped and taken on broad by many of the developers in the local area that have seen their enquiries fall in numbers. 92

ThePattayaGuide | AdvERTORIAL

Take for example ‘The Vineyards”, where the guys there are now offering up to 40% developer finance. This opens up a whole new marketing format for the developer as well as the potential client. Another route taken by some developers in town has been the guaranteed rentals returns. This is a much boulder approach from a sales point of view, as the developer has then got get the properties rented to cover their guarantee, but great for the potential investor looking for buy to let property. To sum up what is happening here in the local Pattaya market, we are seeing the market change from the two years ago sellers market into a very strong buyers market. With so many ‘good deals’ to be had around town, for any potential buyer looking in and around the Pattaya area at the moment, keep your eye and ears open, times have changed.

The Vineyards AdvERTORIAL | ThePattayaGuide

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CS232. Low floor 78 M2, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, full kitchen, furnished, air conditioned. View Talay 1 A. Disabled friendly. Well priced at 2.6 million baht.

CS 334. Medium floor studio condo on Pratamnak. Part sea view. Fully furnished, nice kitchen, excellent shower room available now. 1,555,000 baht.

CS 359. High floor Markland condo. Full seaviews, stunning upgrade, fully furnished, 2 beds, 2 baths, beautifully appointed throughout. Must see. 17 M.

CS 382. Want to get away? Bang Chang condo for sale. Great for weekends, Beach front, well fitted and furnished, UBC and full facilities. 3.5 M.

CS 391. View Talay 3, sea view, 2 balconies, 127 M2 condo. Superb throughout. Kitchen, smart shower, superbly furnished. Well priced, 6.1 M.

CS 395. Sukhumvit Road condo. 1 bed, 1 shower, beautifully decorated and presented, kitchen, class furniture and loads of extras. Value at 3.5 M.

CS 396. View Talay Residence condo, pool view. First class throughout, Furnished, kitchen, cable TV, ADSL, foreign owned, must see at 3.79 M.

CS 398. 74 M2 I bed, 1 bath condo. Well presented, newly furnished, kitchen, full facilities, card entry, the list goes on. 2.75 M. with an easy pay plan

HS 825. Mabprachan area, 3 bed, 2 bath, full kitchen, furnished, A/C, full amenities and a large private pool. List 5.5M, now 4.5 for quick sale.

HS 900. Country location 2+1 bed, 3 bath bungalow. Far too much to list here, suffice to say it has everything and under priced at 3.8 million.

HS 916. New build 4 bed, 3 bath bungalows. SCC road. Good build, well finished, just waiting for furniture and kitchen cabinets. Easy pay plan. 4.3 M.

HS 920. Lovely 3bed, 3 bath house close to route 36. Excellent construction, fittings and beautifully furnished, Pool, full kitchen, A/C and landscaped. 5.5M.

HS 925. Large corner plot, private pool and landscaped gardens. 3 beds, 3 baths, Euro kitchen, nicely decorated, furnished and presented. 4.2 Neg

HS 949. Delightful 4 bed, 4bath bungalow. Horseshoe Point area. Beautiful presentation and furnishings throughout. First class plus a pool. 5.95 M.

HS 953. One of the best 2 bed, 2 bath houses we have. Excellent throughout, kitchen, smart baths, nicely furnished, well presented & decorated. 3.3M

HS 957. 4 bed, 4 bath house at a knockdown price and ideal for a handyman. Grab a paintbrush, smarten it up and it’s worth 6M. Buy now at 3.3M.