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Cost of living Thailand

June 22, 2021 by David Herd

Cost of living Thailand

Cost of living Thailand

Cost of living Thailand compared to Australia is is quite surprising. As a rough estimate it is around 35% lower in Pattaya which is a beachside city 90 minutes south of Bangkok. I will highlight some examples including services which I would not be able to afford in Australia, such as pedicures & massages. 🙂

Cheap Charlies is a good example, breakfast starts at B89 or $4.84 AUD including tea or coffee.

Cheap Charlies

Cost of living Thailand

Located in Soi Buakhao beside the Sutus Court Hotel.

Cha Bear coffee

Cost of living Thailand

Diagonally across the road from Cheap Charlies & opposite Sutris Court Hotel, a hot coffee latte is only B40, or $1.68 AUD.

I love a foot massage

Cost of living Thailand

Normal price in Pattaya is B200 for 1 hour, or $8.40 AUD, I usually leave a B60 tip. 

Some parlours in Pattaya Klang have slashed their price to B100, or $4.20 AUD.

Cost of living Thailand

The Covid crisis has forced may to close their doors or offer a discount. This is one of them located near 3rd Rd. The average price in Australia is around $70 as opposed to $8.40.

If you want to spend a little more on breakfast

Cost of living Thailand

This is B175 or $7.36 AUD, naturally the 1/2 avocado & the smoked salmon is the reason at Robin Hood Tavern. 

If you have trouble reaching your toes…..

Cost of living Thailand

A pedicure is definitely the answer for B150 or $6.30 AUD + tip.

The view from my studio apartment

Cost of living Thailand

Rent is B4,150 or $175 AUD per week, for a view like this in Sydney or the Gold Coast you would pay $500 t0 $600 per week.

Now an example of low cost living close the the action of Soi Buakhao

Cost of living Thailand

Air conditioned room with a sports bar & restaurant downstairs. B4,500 per month or $190 AUD. 

Only 2 minutes walk to Cheap Charlies. 🙂

CC

Great location for $44 AUD per week.

Low cost lunch in Pattaya Klang

      Cost of living Thailand                  Cost of living Thailand

One of the many Chinese restaurants in Pattaya Klang or Central Road. Total cost including a bottle of water B240 or $10.90 AUD.

Massaman chicken curry at Robin Hood Tavern

Best Pattaya restaurants

Only B185 or $7.80 AUD, not only was it delicious I ordered take-away & got two full meals.

Transport in Pattaya

Cost of living Thailand

These Songthaews or Baht busses are a fantastic method of transport in Pattaya, there are hundreds of them, you rarely have to wait more than a minute. It’s hard to believe the cost of each ride is only B10, or 42 cents Australian. 🙂

Great value at Jasmine’s Cafe in Pattaya Klang.

Best Pattaya restaurants

 Breakfast, lunch & dinner, excellent good low cost food.

Prawn & broccoli at Jasmine.

Best Pattaya restaurants  Best Pattaya restaurants  

Only B140 or $5.90 AUD, + breakfast at B119.

The best value breakfast in Pattaya.

Foodland low cost breakfast

Foodland at Terminal is the place to go if you are looking for a low cost breakfast,  only B65 or $2.70 AUD. This low price is available everyday between 6.30 & 9.30 am. Includes Tea or coffee, orange juice 7 toast & jam 🙂

Sewing lady

Cost of living Thailand

These nice ladies set up on the footpath and repair anything that needs sewing. She fixed up a pair of shorts for me for 80 cents AUD, so I I gave her an extra 80 tip. You gotta love Thailand. 🙂

Local doctor

Pattaya Goods Services Directory

Located on 2nd  Rd 250 meters north of Central Rd, B100 or $4.20 AUD.

Hopefully this has given you an idea of the cost of living in Pattaya, come & grab yourself a slice of happiness.

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

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Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Sexy Cherry Bar babes Pattaya Thailand

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Atlantic Bar North Pattaya

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok 

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started June 22 2021

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Ten Years in Thailand

May 14, 2021 by David Herd

Ten Years in Thailand

Ten Years in Thailand

Ten Years in Thailand from 2011 to 2021, including friends & family who have made an impact on my life. The first 9 were great before Covid-19 hit with a vengeance & people could no longer travel freely between countries. 

The photo above was taken in the carpark next to the Sabai Resort in 2011 featuring Tony & Nikki Murphy, my brother Warren & a couple of Thai babes. 🙂

2011 at Rimpa Lapin

Ten Years in Thailand

A terrific restaurant about 30 minutes drive south of Pattaya. A great night with friends & family.

2012 50th birthday for Trevor Loresch

Ten Years in Thailand

Trevor’s son & daughter & Herbie pastor on the right. 

2012 with Nick Partridge & Joergen Ulitza

Ten Years in Thailand

On the way to dinner with Nick from the Gold Coast & Joergen from Melbourne. 

2012 Big Viv Kennelly from western Sydney with two friends

Ten Years in Thailand

They guys had a good time visiting Pattaya.

2013 & the boys from England arrive in Pattaya

Ten Years in Thailand

 They took to Pattaya like moths to a flame. On the left is my good friend Bill Austin, then Simon, yours truly, Chris & Dave Catchpole.

2013 the English boys & Dave Wylie

Ten Years in Thailand

We were dining at Froggies which was a terrific French restaurant until the authorities closed it down because he did not employ enough Thai staff. 

2013 The Beach Club

Ten Years in Thailand

A fabulous of a bunch of Gold Coasters. The big guy 2nd from the left is Nathan Corbett 11 times world champion in Muay Thai boxing.

2014 Xmas Day in Soi 6

Ten Years in Thailand

A bunch of Aussies who love the bars in Soi 6. Either side of me are Geoff & Doug.

2014 on the ferry to Koh Larn

Ten Years in Thailand

Irina from Russia eventually moved to France & got married. More Koh Larn photos here.

2015 at the Mantra for the fabulous Sunday brunch

Ten Years in Thailand

Without a doubt the Mantra has the best buffet I have ever seen. The food came from eight different kitchens.

2015 at the Party bar

Ten Years in Thailand

Lots of terrific girls on opening night, sadly the bar only lasted a couple of years. Check out opening night here.

2016 at Jim’s Burgers

Ten Years in Thailand

From the left, Hamish, Jonathon & Matt.

2016 at Pattaya Beer Garden

Ten Years in Thailand

Father & son, Christopher & David Robertson, aka Chocs.

2017 at the Atlantic Bar

Ten Years in Thailand

From the left we have Joergen Ulitza, Steve Reid, Pothole, aka John Martin & Bill Curtis who sadly passed away in 2020.

2017 A group of his Aussie friends say farewell to Larry Krausz who sadly passed away due to a major stroke.

Ten Years in Thailand

Larry & I travelled to South America, Thailand & London in 2000.

2018, the boys from Port Macquarie

Ten Years in Thailand

Coffee at the Holiday Inn with Chris Lockwood aka Dr Evil on my left & my brother Warren on the right. 

2018 Happy crew at Patrick’s Steakhouse.

Ten Years in Thailand

An excellent restaurant & one of our favourite places. Sally Schmidt & Wayne Schmidt, Patrick, Dan Escamilla & Hamish Elton at the back.

2019 at the Atlantic Bar

Ten Years in Thailand

Tony & Nikki Murphy with Nikki’s Dad & sister + my brother Warren & Pothole aka John Martin. For 20 years of photos at the Atlantic just click on THIS LINK.

2019 final feast at the Mantra

Ten Years in Thailand

Our favourite restaurant for over 10 years has closed permanently. Lots more photos here.

2020 at Holiday Inn with Mark Yagalla

Ten Years in Thailand

 Only 100 meters from my condo on Beach Rd, as you can imagine I’m a regular customer there.

2020 Hamish Elton loves to entertain his friends

Ten Years in Thailand

A Sunday BBQ at his home in Jomtien.

2021 Pothole’s farewell drinks

Ten Years in Thailand

Pothole aka John martin has spent a small fortune in the 12 years he has lived in Pattaya. Consequently he has to spend the next 2 years in Australia to qualify for the aged pension. Predictively he lasted 3 months & returned to the land of smiles. 

How lucky am I?

Ten Years in Thailand

This is the magnificent view from my condo on Beach Road.

Pattaya in all its glory

Unique Pattaya hotel

Home to around 100,000 people. 

Farewell for now

Living with Covid 2021

Thanks for visiting my Ten Years in Thailand photo blog, I look forward to the end of the Covid crisis so we can all enjoy life as we previously knew it.

Counter only started May 16 2021

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April storm smashes Pattaya

April 12, 2021 by David Herd

April storm smashes Pattaya

April storm smashes Pattaya

April storm smashes Pattaya, In the 10 years I have lived here I think this was the most intense storm I have experienced. The thunder & lightning was unbelievable, I thought Armageddon had finally arrived.

Dogs on the roof

April storm smashes Pattaya

I love this photo, credit to Pattaya News.

Black clouds arrive

April storm smashes Pattaya

That’s the MYTT Hotel in Soi 3.

Visibility over the bay is disappearing. 

April storm smashes Pattaya

 It was much worse than this over the next hour or so.

There goes the beach

April storm smashes Pattaya

Opposite Soi 4 in North Pattaya. There is no way the drains & gutters could contain the incredible volume of water.

New pumps opposite Soi 6

April storm smashes Pattaya

The council are trying to control the storm damage to the beach.

These new pumps can’t handle the volume.

April storm smashes Pattaya

The best solution is to accept the inevitable damage & send in the excavators quickly to repair the damage.

And that’s what they did…..

April storm smashes Pattaya

The following morning on April 12 the cavalry arrived.

They need to retrieve a lot of sand

April storm smashes Pattaya

 As you can clearly see many tons of sand has been washed into the bay. If  anyone thinks they can find a way to stop this happening, I have some advice for them, FORGET IT. 🙂

Huge volume of sand

April storm smashes Pattaya

This gives you an idea of the amount of sand that is swept into Pattaya Bay.

Two of the many things I love about living in Thailand are the magic sunsets,& the magnificent storms that demonstrate all of Mother Natures incredible power. 

Soi Buakhao flooded in April, 2021.

They have seen it all before. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my April storm smashes Pattaya photo blog. Check out the links below for my posts that receive to most visits. My overall visits currently number about 160,000 per month. 

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

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Counter only started April 12 2021. 

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Aussie Expat Pattaya Thailand

April 10, 2021 by David Herd

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Aussie Expat Pattaya Thailand, my 10th year living the dream, life is very easy here & costs me around 40% compared with living in Australia. People often ask about the life here so I thought I would put some details together, at the end of the day a picture is worth a thousand words. 🙂 The photo above is the view from my condo, I’m on the 20th floor of Markland which is one the corner of Beach Rd & Soi 1. I was paying B18,000 pm currently the rent has been discounted to B15,000 due to Covid 19.  This equals $625 AUD.

There will be lots of links in this post for you to follow to other blogs.

Aussie friends at Terminal 21

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Shane, Bill & Greg all came over for dental work, you pay about 1/2 of what you would in Australia. In November 2019 one of these guys had these procedures, 1 x Implant – 1 x Root canal – 2 x removals and a complete clean which took 2 hours’ worth of grinding, price B55,000 or $2,640 AUD.  He says the average price in Sydney for an implant ranges between $3,500 – $5,000.

Check out Terminal 21 on THIS LINK. 

Fabulous food

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Pattaya has about 1,300 restaurants as well as their iconic street food. This BBQ seafood buffet is at the Holiday Inn which is only 200 meters from my condo.

Drifters cafe at Jomtien

Aussie Expat Pattaya

 Here is a fabulous beachside bar which is owned by an Aussie guy. They specialize in pizzas & Aussie pies, take a look at THIS LINK.

My friend Tony Murphy at el Mercado in Bangkok

Aussie Expat Pattaya

I try to visit Bangkok fairly often, only 90 minutes in a private car, at a cost of B1,400 or $58 AUD, otherwise take the bus door to door for $16. Take a look at THIS LINK for more about el Mercado.

Cooling off in Koh Chang.

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Thailand’s 2nd largest island is worth visiting, only about 4 hours drive from Pattaya. Beside Koh Chang you can consider Koh Samui, Phuket or Koh Larn which is adjacent to Pattaya.

Iconsiam shopping mall Bangkok

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Iconsiam is the newest & biggest mall in Bangkok, others include Central World, Siam Paragon & EmQuartier.

From my condo

Aussie Expat Pattaya

 The view at night is breath-taking.

What a magnificent sunset

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Pattaya has the best sunsets I have ever seen, & believe I have seen a few. 🙂

My regular motor bike taxi 

Aussie Expat Pattaya

His name is Pradu & the price is between B40 & B60 for most areas of Pattaya.

Mango & Sticky Rice

Aussie Expat Pattaya

An iconic Thailand desert. Talking about deserts there are many more examples on THIS LINK.

Long sandy beach at Jomtien

Jomtien Beach Pattaya south

 Just south of Pattaya Jomtien beach stretches for miles. 

Naklua fish market

Aussie Expat Pattaya

 Just a ten minute bus ride north of Pattaya, fabulous fresh seafood. If you wish, they will cook it for you.

Aussie Expat Pattaya with A bunch of other Aussies at our local bar.

Aussie Expat Pattaya

I have been drinking at the Atlantic bar for 20 years, check out the history on THIS LINK. There are hundreds of beer bars & sports bars in Pattaya, find them on THIS LINK.

Party time at the Atlantic bar

Aussie Expat Pattaya

 There is never a dull moment in Pattaya. 🙂 Lots of photos on THIS LINK.

You will never go hungry in Pattaya

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Here is Patrick at his Belgium Steakhouse.

Walking Street

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy, defining what really put Pattaya on the map in the early days. Sure today it’s bigger, bolder & brassier, however there now is so much more to offer in this great part of the world besides the traditional heart of Pattaya.

Infamous Soi 6

XmasdaySoi627 (1)

Only 5 minutes walk from my condo this is where you can get into all sorts of trouble, see for yourself on THIS LINK.

Here we are at Mae Pim

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Mae Pim beach, boats & sunsets, a beautiful onshore wind & peace and quiet. Only 90 minutes from Pattaya and 2 hours from Bangkok airport. The peace & quiet only applies between February and October, the 3 months over Xmas is a different story when the crowds converge on this delightful beach side resort.

Hi ho hi ho it’s off to work we go…

Strange amusing sights Pattaya Beach

When living in Pattaya always expect the unexpected. 🙂 Beach Rd of coarse is a one way street & they are traveling against the flow. Many more strange sights HERE.

That’s all for now folks

Longhorn Steakhouse Pattaya

 I hope I have shown you how a typical Aussie Expat enjoys life in Pattaya.

Here are some of my most popular posts.

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Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok 

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started April 12 2021.

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Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

March 23, 2021 by David Herd

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant is located behind the Unixx condo in South Pattaya. It’s on the ground floor of the Pattaya Heights Condo & is rated by TripAdvisor 165 out of 1,100 Restaurants in Pattaya.

Warn atmosphere

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

The food and service is excellent, don’t let the location deter you, this is a very good restaurant.

Ride em cowboy

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

I don’t suppose you can really call Thomas Shelby a cowboy, Birmingham is a long way from Texas. 🙂

What about the food you ask?

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

 Sorry it took so long, on our first visit my old mate “Pothole” & I both had the corned beef which was very good but nothing like what we have in Australia. Both of us however thought the cabbage was the best we have ever tasted in our lives. This was the daily special at B350, or $14.80 AUD.

A week later we returned for the hamburgers

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

Pothole really enjoyed the Wagyu beef hamburger, however the real surprise packet were the sweet potato fries, absolutely delicious. Good value at B190 or $8 AUD.

For me it was the Wagyu sliders

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

Very good indeed even though I struggled a little to get through the three. 🙂 Very good value at B175, or $7.40 AUD.

Shepherds Pie

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

 The owner E.T. made 2 servings of Shepherds pie especially for Pothole & myself, it was absolutely delicious. I only ate 1/2 of mine & took the 2nd half home to eat tomorrow. Pothole of course not only ate the lot, but washed it down with 2 pints of Guinness which is a meal in itself. 🙂 

Lamb Shank

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

We have not tried this yet, I borrowed this photo & the one below from their website.

They open for breakfast as well.

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

Very convenient for those living in the building.

We certainly will return

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

There are lots of other dishes on the menu I want to try.

Having a party?

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

Here is a great room for celebrating a birthday or a divorce, totally separate from the main room.

Terrific decor

peaky-blinders-pattaya-restaurantCoupled with an interesting menu.

A pensive Pothole

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

I just had to include a shot of Pothole, normally he doesn’t travel past Soi 6, but for the good food & service at Peaky Blinders he is happy to make an exception. 🙂

Many thanks for visiting my Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant  photo blog.

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

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Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Upmarket Chinese Food Sydney

Food review Pattaya Thailand

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok 

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started March 23 2021.

 

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Old cars Pattaya Beach

March 21, 2021 by David Herd

Old cars Pattaya Beach

Old cars Pattaya Beach

Old cars Pattaya Beach is a combination that will attract the crowds. In fact today March 21 2021 there were more visitors to Pattaya than I have seen for over a year. All over the world young guys love cool cars and hot babes. 🙂

What a star this guy is. 🙂

Old cars Pattaya Beach

This is a trend that is new to me, tacking a hunk of iron on the back of the beast. 🙂

Old cars Pattaya Beach, is this attractive?

Old cars Pattaya Beach

Perhaps I’m missing something, but this hunk of metal does nothing to improve the look of the car, what do you think?

From a different angle

Old cars Pattaya Beach

No matter which way I look at it I’m finding it difficult to see the point. 🙂

I’m a big fan of flash cars, take a look at THIS LINK to see what I used to drive.

This hot rod has about one inch of road clearance. 🙂

Old cars Pattaya Beach

Obviously he would avoid any rough surfaces. 🙂

The question is….

Old cars Pattaya Beach

How low can you go? 🙂

Check out the fabulous cars at the Holiday Inn classic car show in 2016, just follow THIS LINK.

Here is number 2017

Old cars Pattaya Beach

Not sure what this number signifies. 

Mellow Yellow

Old cars Pattaya Beach

It’s certainly nice to see a crowd visit Pattaya on a Sunday morning.

Now here is a good looking beast

Old cars Pattaya Beach

Sadly I didn’t get what model it was.

This car may have been the cutting edge of technology.

Old cars Pattaya Beach

If it hit you it would cut you in half. 🙂

That blue is a terrific colour

Old cars Pattaya Beach

It would certainly turn some heads.

Classic Car Friends Pattaya

Haeder-1920x700 (1) 

Classic Car Friends Pattaya is based on the idea to bring people together who are interested in Classic Cars and in creating a network which will  support and help Classic Car owners, collectors and enthusiasts in all their CLASSIC CAR needs and activities.
 

Thanks for visiting my Old cars Pattaya Beach photo blog, the links below will take you to my most popular blogs.

Here are my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Copacabana beautiful beach babes

Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Sexy Cherry Bar babes Pattaya Thailand

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Atlantic Bar North Pattaya

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok 

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

 

Counter only started March 21 2021.

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Sicily Pizza Pattaya

March 8, 2021 by David Herd

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

Sicily Pizza Pattaya is located on the dark side opposite Maprachan Lake about a 25 minute drive from Beach Road. A popular family restaurant serving some affordable  delicious Italian food.

A pre lunch drink at the bar

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

 Orange juice please, I’m driving. 🙂

There is the pizza over on the right

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

 On my next visit I’m having a pizza.

Looks very tasty indeed

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

Perfect meal for two people.

Bruschetta Di Montagna

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

This was my choice of entre. I think I may be mistaken with the name of this dish, my apologies.

Fresh Melon & Prosciutto

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

This is the entre I should have ordered. I had a taste & the melon was delicious. 🙂

Delicious mushroom soup

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

 Very tasty with lots of truffles. 

A huge lamb shank

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

Very tasty indeed, a little expensive at B690, or $29 AUD. Patrick’s Steakhouse has a similar dish for B390. A little smaller perhaps.

Fire up that pizza oven

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

A good pizza with red wine is hard to beat. 🙂

A very interesting wall

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

The featured lady has been given an extra leg. 🙂 

Location

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

As I mentioned earlier it is located on the dark side opposite Maprachan Lake about a 25 minute drive from Beach Road. This friendly establishment is certainly worth the drive, it offers very good food & service with a nice atmosphere. On the way you will pass 3 or 4 other interesting looking restaurants. 

Thanks for visiting my Sicily Pizza Pattaya photo blog, check out the links below for some interesting restaurants I have visited all over the world, including a review of popular Pattaya venues.

Thanks also to my friend Hamish Elton for introducing me to this interesting Sicilian venue. Here is a LINK to Sicily Pizza.

Check out these great food photo blogs from around the world.

Counter only started March 8 2021

 

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Surf and Turf Pattaya

February 24, 2021 by David Herd

Surf and Turf Pattaya

Surf and Turf Pattaya

Surf and Turf Pattaya is located at the front of the 4-star Long Beach Garden Hotel. For a more accurate description replace Pattaya with Naklua. The photo above is the original restaurant, the following shots taken in February 2021 will show the new section which is currently not in use due to having few customers because of the Coronavirus. 

The new section

Surf and Turf Pattaya 

It more than doubles the size of the original section.

Lots of surfboards feature

Surf and Turf Pattaya

However I have never seen a surf in Pattaya. 🙂

Outdoor section

Surf and Turf Pattaya

 My preference is inside in front of a fan, however today was February 24 2021 & the breeze coming off the bay was magnificent.

Surf and Turf Pattaya

Surf and Turf Pattaya

 A very popular restaurant, there always seems to be more Thai people than foreigners. 

Avocado smoothie

Surf and Turf Pattaya

At B140 it was fairly average, I did have high hopes as I do love avocado. 🙂

Hamburger

Surf and Turf Pattaya

With prawns, the beef patty was very good, as were the fries. One of the features of this nice restaurant is the huge choice of dishes, both western & Thai, the staff are very nice as well.

If you prefer a quieter location to stay rather than Pattaya, the Longbeach Hotel is a good choice, especially with their beachside restaurant the Surf & Turf. For a very good room discount just follow THIS LINK.

Before you leave please check out my original Surf & Turf photo blog HERE.

Thanks for visiting my Surf & Turf photo blog. Lots more links to some world wide food blogs below, including a link to my fabulous webcam.

Check out these great food photo blogs.

Counter only started February 24 2021.

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Bangkok Dim Sum

January 14, 2021 by David Herd

Bangkok Dim Sum

Bangkok Dim Sum Bangkok Dim Sum is one of my regular lunches when I visit the big mango. Very good quality reasonable price food & a good variety. Here are three of my favourite places around Sukhumvit in Nana, JW Marriott, Landmark Hotel & the Ambassador in Soi 11.

Ambassador Hotel Soi 11

Bangkok Dim SumThis is where I go most of the time, good quality at a reasonable price & never crowded.

Delicious food at the Ambassador

Bangkok Dim SumHow good does this look?

 

Soi 11 Ambassador Hotel

Bangkok Dim SumA good low cost place to stay in the heart of the action, for an excellent room discount just use THIS LINK. If you want to see some of the great bars & restaurants in Soi 11 just follow THIS LINK.

Landmark Hotel Sukhumvit

Bangkok Dim SumHigh quality restaurants & food. In the basement there is a terrific bar called the Huntsman, which is designed like an upmarket English pub, please check out THEIR LINK here.

Noodles & wontons & celery at the Landmark

Bangkok Dim SumAn unusual dish but very good.

Pork Shumai at Landmark

Bangkok Dim SumCompulsory with every dim sum meal. 🙂

JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok Dim SumExcellent hotel with some very good restaurants. 

JW Marriot at Nana

Bangkok Dim SumOn the corner of Soi 3 & Sukhumvit.

Bangkok Dim Sum, sticky rice at the Marriot

Bangkok Dim SumThis is a great place to stay if you want some luxury with loads of nightlife at your doorstep, including the infamous Nana Plaza. 🙂 Once again for a very good room discount just book through THIS LINK.

Talking about Nana Plaza

Nana Plaza 1Well here it is, one of the world’s most famous red light districts. Of course right now in January 2021 we are in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis, consequently Nana Plaza is in temporary lockdown.

Breakfast at the Marriott

Bangkok Dim SumThis is definitely my favourite venue for breakfast when I’m in Bangkok, poached eggs, avocado & crispy bacon, delicious.

Brad Robbins & I at The Ambassador January 2019

Bangkok Dim Sum

Thanks for visiting my Bangkok Dim Sum photo blog.

Check out these great food photo blogs.

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Counter only started January 14 2021.

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Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

January 6, 2021 by David Herd

Coronavirus devastates business

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya businesses & almost closes down the island of Koh Samui. This post will focus on some of the venues in Pattaya who have closed their doors permanently. The photo above shows a coffee shop at the Bay on Beach Rd, this was one of the first to shut down.

The Coffee Club

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

Located at Markland where I live on the corner of Beach Rd & Soi 1. 

A very familiar image on Beach Rd.

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

That sexy girl has been smiling at us for 42 years. My first trip to Pattaya was 40 years ago in 1980, to see photos just follow THIS LINK.

It seems I was taken in by fake news, this venue has in fact reopened. 🙂

A very sad story  indeed.

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya 

The Tahitian Queen (known affectionately as the TQ), Pattaya’s original A-go-go bar and Pattaya’s longest running establishment, has shuttered for the last time after 42 years. With over 100 employees, the objective for the last ten months has been to keep them with enough salary that they could subsist until the Covid nightmare is over.

It was a very sad night on Tuesday the 29th December 2020 as the staff arrived to collect their last paycheck. There were many tears and hugs as the doors were locked for the last time and the staff wandered off to uncertain futures.

Starbucks corner Beach Rd & Soi 13/1.

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya businesses

One block away you will see in the photo below Pizza Hut has closed as well.

Pizza Hut

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya 

Closed & being demolished, when will this all end you may well ask?

King Seafood in Walking Street

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

One of the larges seafood restaurants on Walking St. Here is the heartfelt announcement from the owner. 

“Dear all beloved customers.

Announcement; Shop closes until the situation improves.

We give up. We can’t fight anymore.

Seriously, since I was back open last August, we have been carrying a loss all the time. But during that time, we have hope that things will be better. Finally, it’s not what we hoped for.

This time, we are sold out. Physical and mental support.

Secondly, this round of crime comes from the corruption of government officials. Whether it’s multinational labor case or casual case, the state throws responsibility and burden to the private sector. Order closes before New Year’s Eve. Damages us. Customers cancel all bookings if there is any. New Year’s event as usual. We would have the encouragement and capital to fight. But at this time, it leaves us with no choice but to close the shop.

Miyazaki Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant at Central Marina

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

This was one of my favourite lunch venues, sadly they closed up shop in November 2020. It was great value for your money, please follow THIS LINK for more photos.

Burger King 2nd Road NorthPattaya

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

Two or 3 other branches also closed, Beach Rd near Soi 8 & the at the food court in Central Festival.

My usual massage parlor in 2nd Rd near Soi 1.

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya businesses

One of many that have closed permanently. As you can see in the photo they had already sold most of the chairs.

Deutsches Haus closed pernanently

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya businesses

They claimed to be Pattaya’s oldest German restaurant, located on the corner of Beach Rd & Soi 4. Another regular lunch venue for me, I used to really enjoy their Polish Sausage with Potato Salad.

Customers at Deautsches Haus

Deautsches Haus

 I just had to include this photo, these two seem to have ordered the beer that matches their physical resemblance. 🙂 

Million restaurant Beach Rd.

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

It’s January 8 2021 & within the last hour or so another business closes permanently. Located between Soi 4 & 5 they claimed they were paying B200,ooo per month. Sadly the carnage continues. 

Stripping everything from Millions

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

The owner will take everything from the bar to try & recover some money, we wish her luck.

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya. beer bars on 2nd Rd opposite Central Marina

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya businesses

On the right was Billabong 2 which was originally the Cherry Bar, a local of mine for many years. The far left is the well known Atlantic Bar which is my current local when it’s open. Follow those links for some great photos. 🙂

One of four hotels closed in Soi 2 North Pattaya

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

The Sandalay is on the corner of Beach Rd & Soi 2 next to Markland where I live of the 20th floor.

The Thai Hotel Association has reported that hotel occupancy for May and June 2021 is just 6%.

Indian restaurant

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya businesses

Located on 2nd Rd next to drinking St. Even before Covid I don’t think it was doing too well.

FamilyMart 2nd Rd North Pattaya

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya businesses

Just 2 blocks down from the Indian Restaurant shown above. There are many other convenience stores closed in Pattaya & sadly more will follow.

Next step February 2022

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

Lets pull it down. 

Gone baby gone

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

 Another one bites the dust in February 2022.

Lisa Bar 2nd Road

Coronavirus devastates business

Almost opposite the Family mart in the previous photo the Lisa Bar have closed permanently.

Soi 33 Naklua 2nd Soi north of the Dolphin roundabout. 

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

 Every business on the north side of the Soi has ceased to exist, the bar above fronts Naklua Rd.

So sad to see the devastation

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

Prior to Covid this popular Soi was a hive of activity.

Opposite Leckerle

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

Leckerle has been one of my favourite low cost restaurants for over 10 years, thankfully they are still open but are struggling to stay that way. 

Retox Game On, Soi Honey.

Retox Sports Bar Soi Honey Pattaya

Without a doubt this was one of Pattaya’s most popular sports bars. It’s such a shock to see them close.

New bar is replacing Retox March 2022

Covid-19 devastates PattayaHemmingway’s are coming.

One of our favourite bars

Retox Sports Bar Soi Honey Pattaya

Here is one of many nights my friend Hamish Elton & I watched football & drank ice cold beers & red wine. 🙂

Here is a statement they published June 1st 2021;

It’s a sad day, first time I’ve ever had to do this but as you know we have closed the bar today, hopefully only for a short period but with the situation as it who knows, so if possible I’d like to try and line up my staff for a job if anyone has any positions available, I’ll vouch for them all.

Walking Street is like a ghost town

Coronavirus devastates business

Who would have predicted this a couple of years ago?

Mr 99 Seafood Restaurant and Steakhouse

Coronavirus devastates business

Adjacent to Soi 7 on Beach Rd, Mr 99 is another victim of Covid-19.

The good news is….

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

A new business is opening on the Mr 99 site.

Genki Japanese restaurant Soi 4

Coronavirus devastates business  Coronavirus devastates business

I’m shocked & saddened by another closure in Soi 4. Genki was definately one of my favourite restaurants. It was located behind this yellow building. To say I’m pissed off with all this Covid crap is an understatement. https://fivestarvagabond.com/genki-pattaya-japanese…/

A-One hotel closes temporarily 

Covid-19 devastates PattayaThis huge complex closed for a few months mid July 2021.

The infamous Soi 6

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

It reminds me of a ghost town.

Diagonally oposite Central Festival in 2nd Rd.

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

It’s November 2021 & no end in sight for this Covid epidemic. 

Soi Buakhao markets close

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

 This popular used to opem Tuesdays & Fridays, sadly it has closed permanently.

Thai Garden Resort helping the hungry.

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya businesses

Many Pattaya businesses have stepped up to help those who are struggling without money or a job. Our thanks yo all these generous people. 

A heart of gold

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

A young female food stall vendor in Pattaya with the help of her friends and other charitable individuals decided to spend an entire day earlier this week cooking and providing freshly made food for free to the needy in Pattaya.

Ms. Wilaiporn K started a new food business near Tukcom Mall last week and decided to give back to the people of Pattaya by giving all food away for FREE.

One thousand meals 

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

A group of Chinese businessmen, who preferred to stay anonymous, handed out just over a thousand meals to the needy in Pattaya on Wednesday evening January 20th.

The donation event took place near Third Road and was also attended by Pattaya City Police who ensured that social distancing and other Covid-19 related measures took place.

A heartbreaking sight

Covid-19 devastates Pattaya

June 2021 & hundreds of hungry Thai people wait patiently for some food.

My thanks to you for visiting my Covid-19 devastates Pattaya businesses photo blog, sadly in the coming months I will be adding more businesses to this site.

18 major tourist attractions have shut temporarily including the Alcazar and Tiffany shows, 4 Regions Floating Market, the aquarium and dolphinarium, Art in Paradise, Frost Magical Ice of Siam, One Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm, Harborland, Ripleys and the Cartoon Network water 

 

Everything you wanted to know about Bangkok but were afraid to ask. 🙂

Counter only started January 7 2021

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