OldSiam

Although you can technically drive in Thailand on an international driver’s license, there are some reasons why you should be getting a driver’s license in Thailand. International driver’s licenses are intended for temporary use–when you are visiting somewhere. If you are an expat living in Thailand for more than a few months, you need a Thai driver’s license because insurance companies require it. Additionally, when you have a Thai license, you can show it at any of the national parks and tourist attractions and avoid paying the tourist prices. You can do the same with a Thai work permit but if you are living here on a retirement visa, you will not have one of those. The final reason is because if you get stopped by a police officer there is a chance that he will not accept your international driver’s license. Here is the basic procedure you will go through when obtaining your driver’s license in Thailand. Proof of Address The first document you will need when getting a driver’s license in Thailand is a letter from either your embassy or Thai immigration that states your address in country. Going to Thai immigration to get this letter is probably the easiest route. The immigration officer will give you a form to fill out, charge about 200 THB, and then send the letter to you in the mail. Some sources say that an immigration officer will come to visit you at your residence but this rarely happens in busy places like Bangkok. Make sure you make a copy of the picture page on your passport and your current visa page for the immigration officer. Medical Certification Another document needed will be the medical check. You only have to visit any hospital or street clinic and the staff there will know what to do. The check only involves making a determination if you are reasonably healthy and of sound mind. The cost for this check varies however it is minimal. Other Forms Make sure that you take your international driver’s license or license from your home country before getting a driver’s license in Thailand. If you have this, and it’s valid, you will not have to take a written or driving test. The other forms necessary include copies of your passport picture page, TM card that was stamped when you entered the country, and current visa. Keep in mind that you need a non-immigrant class visa in order to get a license. Make sure that you take your passport as well. Going to the Department of Land Transport This is the agency that you will see when getting a driver’s license in Thailand. It would be a good idea to take someone with you who can speak, read, and write Thai however this is not an absolute necessity. You will hand over all of your documentation at the front desk and then be directed to another station where they have you fill out another form. It is best to get to the department early because the line gets quite long. In Bangkok, the Department of Land Transport office located across from Sukumvit 62 opens at 8:00 A.M. however lines form around 7:00 A.M. The Tests For those who do not have a current international license or license from their home country, they may have to take both a written and driving test. The written test is in Thai and it is okay to have a Thai-speaking person assist you. For the driving theory test, you will be shown a video (which will be in Thai language) and then given a 30-question computer test. You will need to score at least 23 on it. The second, for those without a current foreign or international license, will be a driving test where you will be provided with an automobile from the department. You will need to prove that you can effectively and safely maneuver a vehicle by doing things like backing straight, making turns, and parallel parking. Everyone, when getting a driver’s license in Thailand, takes these three tests: color blindness, peripheral vision, and reaction time. The color blindness test involves basic recognition of colors. The peripheral vision test requires that you place your chin on a machine and then the operator will ask you to respond when you see flashes of light at your side. And the reaction test puts you on a machine with an accelerator and brake pedal. You accelerate and respond by braking when the signal indicates to do such. Final Steps When you have all of the required forms submitted and passed all of your tests, you will finally go to get your picture taken for the actual license. The fee is 105 THB. Your first license is considered temporary and only good for 1 year. After that, you can get a 5-year license. Keep in mind that different branches of the Department of Land Transport may do things slightly different. For example, you might have an expired foreign license which would theoretically mean that you would have to take the written and driving test but on occasion, officials at the department have been known to overlook it. Like with anything in this country, always smile and be cooperative and you will be surprised at just how easy getting a driver’s license in Thailand is.

Thai massage is one of the skills that makes the country famous and it isn’t because of sleaze either. In fact, there are many qualified Thai massage practictioners across the city who have been properly trained in this ancient art that derives from Ayurvedic medicine and has been passed down through the generations. Most famously it is taught by the monks at Wat Pho and is considered a very healthy and rejuvenating treatment. Of course, many visitors to Bangkok imagine a trip to a massage shop as something entirely more discreet and dirty, and if that’s what you are after we recommend you read our page on body massage. For the rest of us, receiving a Thai massage in Bangkok is one of those activities that ought to be top of your list, and it’s a great way to soothe the aches and pains and relieve the stress of a busy day hitting the pavements in Bangkok. It’s surprisingly cheap and during a one or two hour session you will be gently kneaded, stretched, contorted and ‘re-aligned’, leaving you a relaxed and rejuvenated. Massage is an integral part of life in Bangkok as it is through the rest of Thailand. Within Thai families it is a common practice for family members to massage one another, especially young people massaging their elders as a sign of respect and affection. Often individual family members pass down techniques in massage that have survived through the generations. Not surprisingly then, there are hundreds of Bangkok massage shops dotted throughout the city offering a full range of massage services at excellent prices. Massage services can be found in small shops throughout the city and in the lobbies of many hotels. Prices for an hour of traditional Thai massage can range anywhere from Bt150 per hour and up. It’s cheaper if you visit an out-of-the-way shop and only have a basic massage. It’s far more expensive in hotels, luxury spas and if you choose extras such as using herbs etc. There are actually several different massage types and techniques. Thai massage: which involves vigorously treating more than 100 areas of the body, using hand pressure and the masseuse’s own body to apply forces that aim to work pressure points, and re-align energy lines in the body. Ideally, this process takes at least two hours and can be a little uncomfortable at times, but leaves you feeling very relaxed. Oil Massage: is gentler than Thai massage and involves deep muscle tissue treatment using specially blended therapeutic oils. Of course it leaves you a little oily afterwards, requiring a shower to freshen up, but can be a very sensual experience. Foot massage: works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of your feet in much the same way as reflexology. This is another skill that has been passed down through the ages and can be quite effective in producing a mild detox effect on the body. The centre for massage in Thailand is the school of natural medicine at Bangkok’s Wat Pho. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is well renowned for its massage school and for preserving the practice of Thai massage, which has been a practice passed down for centuries in Thailand. Visitors to Wat Pho can enjoy a massage at the skilled hands of the practitioners there for 250 baht an hour, or 350 for a massage using herbal medicines and hot compresses. Visitors to Bangkok can also take some of the ancient techniques of Thai massage home with them by enrolling in a 10- to 15-day massage course at Wat Pho, which costs about 4,500 baht. Those looking for a good massage should keep an eye out for massage shops run by blind people in Bangkok, as many blind people study and become quite adept at providing Thai massage services. Those looking for a good massage should keep an eye out for massage shops run by blind people in Bangkok, as many blind people study and become quite adept at providing Thai massage services.

As unfortunate as it may be, people tend to view other people based on stereotypes rather than their actual experience. International stereotypes for Bangkokians are… unfortunately not very pretty, or accurate for that matter. Mainstream media, news and movies have created a horribly distorted image of Bangkok. Fortunately for you, we are about the set the record straight once and for all. Which Thai stereotypes are true, and which ones are complete bull? Ladyboys in Bangkok This is probably the most typical Thai stereotype that Thai people find while they are abroad. I’d go around and introduce myself as a Thai person, and quite often these are the first questions I’m greeted with. “Are there a lot of ladyboys in Bangkok?”. “Do you know any ladyboys in Bangkok?”. Many people with a lot of nerves may go as far as asking if I’m a ladyboy myself. I would find it hilarious, except for the fact that these ladyboys questions and stereotypes are alarmingly frequent to the point that it starts to get annoying. The truth is there are ladyboys in Bangkok, yes, but they are typically only in a few areas. That area is tourist attractions, bars and clubs. Hence many foreigners will head back home after their epic journey and tell the tales about their misadventures that involve ladyboys in Bangkok city. Only if you venture outside these areas, you will find out that the transgenders are only responsible for a very small fraction of the entire population. Not 50% of Thai populations are transgenders, in fact not even 5%. So the blatant claim that it is easier to find ladyboys in Bangkok than actual women is NOT true. Bangkok is a ground zero for political coup and dangerous protests During political unrests, Bangkok is represented in the major news websites as a war zone. Many people were put off by the notion that there is a ‘civil war’ going on in the city and that their friends, or families in Thailand are in a life threatening situation. My friends would hit me up all the time asking if I’m doing okay Funny thing is, amidst all this ‘chaos’ Bangkok seemed to be going through. 99% of the populations are doing just fine. Even people in the protests are doing very well. In fact some people are doing ‘better’. Many people in these political protests often find that they can make money full-time while pursuing their political ideology. There are shops, food stalls, clothing stores that keep popping up everywhere during the protests. These protesters often go on thriving for weeks if not months on end. Many claims that all the protests are not healthy for the economy, while that may be true, these protestors clearly doesn’t seem to have that problem. Personally, I remain neutral during all the protests, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy shopping at these places with my family. It’s like shopping at a street fair, except with more political ads. Bangkok is a sex industry This is the most notorious claim I’ve heard about Thailand. Matter of fact is sex tourism is the problem every developing country (and the already developed ones for that matter) have to face. Contrary to popular beliefs, sex industry and prostitutions is illegal in Thailand and is considered a crime. All parties involved in an act of prostitution will be considered criminal and will face charges as well as possible jail time. Remember that the next time your friends considered coming to Bangkok for ‘sex’, we have a million other things we actually offer. Bangkok is dirty and under-developed If you look at South East Asia as a whole, you will find that most countries, with an exception being Singapore, are currently going through a period of big changes. We have been seeing more growth and development than in the past decades. The truth is, whether or not a place is ‘developed’ or not is all very relative to where you came from and what you have experienced. Thailand as compared to the UK or Sweden would be considered underdeveloped. Thailand as compared to countries that are still struggling for access to clean water would be considered highly developed. Just like every other countries, some areas in Bangkok are better-off than others. If you walk along the BTS lines and get off at Siam or Thonglore and Ekamai, you will clearly see the growth, development and high levels of prosperity. Newer malls such as the Emdistrict are one of the slickest looking and trendiest malls in South East Asia. These areas can be easily stacked up against places like Time Squares in New York, or Union Squares in San Francisco. Know where to look and what to look for, you shall be surprised what Bangkok has available for you. Something about Elephants, Muay Thai and spicy food All these seriousness aside, there are many funny inside jokes and Thai stereotypes that people say which has never failed to put smiles on my face. After multiple series of Tony Jaa’s movies, many people believe that Elephants are integral parts of Thai culture, which is true to a certain extent, but not to the point where everybody ride elephants to school, or that we have them in every household and garages. In some remote parts of Thailand, elephants are still considered a method of transportation. Another hilarious Thai Stereotype is that every single Thai person knows Muay Thai. If you ask around, you will realize that majority of us barely know anything about Muay Thai beside the fact that it is a type of Martial arts. Beside being the biggest product that got most exposure in the west, Muay Thai culture is pretty exclusive to very few Thais. Last, but not least, a major Thai Stereotype is that our food here is unbearably spicy. This is most likely the only stereotype on this article that is true. I still struggle to re-adjust myself to Thai food every time I came back to Bangkok after a few months. So definitely be afraid, be very very afraid. That’s it for the top Thai Stereotypes! Let us know what is the no.1 Thai Stereotypes you have most frequently heard of in the comment section below (aside from the obvious ladyboys in Bangkok jokes). As always, have a nice day!

The go go bar scene has become somewhat tamer than the legendary days of Bangkok’s naughty past and now consists many of bikini clad girls pole dancing on a stage unenthusiastically. The girls are available to go home with you, and are generally stunning, though far more expensive that those available in the numerous girlie bars. Many of the girls look disinterested and the punters appear to be straight off the plane. Apart from being a tourist attraction, with nice bodies to watch, most of these have a dull atmosphere. However with stunning figures, parading around under bright lights almost naked, Bangkok go go girls have not become any less of an attraction. Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza and the venerable Patpong are the main venues for Bangkok go go girls with hundreds of young women taking to the stage every night. Go go entertainment in Bangkok Many of Bangkok’s go go bars feature simply a continual run of songs in different musical styles – thumping dance beats and in some cases rocking tunes – and go go girls of seemingly different levels of enthusiasm dancing, or at least doing their best imitation of a dance, to the music. In many cases dancing equates to swaying back and forth around a pole or up and down the stage in order for them to have a look at the interested parties in the bar and vice versa. While several Bangkok go go girls listlessly follow the music until the song ends and their shift on the stage is over, other go go bars feature dance routines, also of various quality. Likely the best go go bar in Bangkok as far as this is concerned is the Long Gun Bar in Soi Cowboy, which features regular shows that are choreographed beforehand and feature displays of acrobatics mixed in with the typical go go show. In addition to the shows some bars feature go go girls dressed according to a theme, such as the Playskool bar in Nana Plaza, which features waitresses and dancers in the cute Bangkok university students getup. Inside Bangkok’s go go bars Bangkok’s go go bars are set usually set up with the stage at the centre (or off to the side in a very small bar) and seating placed around it, often in benches, which if a bar is crowded can make it difficult to find a seat. The waitresses are very attentive at these places and will do their best to find you a seat. Most of the girls dancing at the go go bars have to appear on stage at certain times determined before their shift at work begins. Even if you have purchased a “lady drink” (see Bangkok bar girls) don’t be surprised if your go go girl still springs up at a song change for another go on the stage. How it works Most men in these bars sit alone facing the dancing stage, the lights are very dim, the music loud, and often the place empty. The waitresses will insist on you buying a drink, often one of the girls not dancing will sit down suggestively next to you and ask for a ‘lady drink’ (the standard watered down, overpriced variety found in these bars). You can choose any of the dancing girls to sit with you. The tab is almost always popped into a holder in front of you so you can keep an eye on the prices. If the place has sex acts on stage the drinks get more expensive, and if you’ve been talked into an ‘upstairs place’ by a tout, expect a nasty surprise when you’re done drinking (we advise you to avoid even stepping into such places). If you like the girl you’re with, you can pay her bar fine (between 300 and 500 baht) and off you go. She’ll want to negotiate her fee before you leave, which is anything from 1500 to 4000 baht, depending on ‘short’ or ‘long’ time. Some places have rooms on the premises.

Beer is one of the things that connect people worldwide. Each country has its own brew and travelers often revel in the opportunity to try the local lager. Thailand is no exception and those who choose to visit the bars will find that three Thai beers show up on almost every drink menu in the Kingdom. Making the choice of which malty beverage to imbibe could be the difference between a well-complimented meal, an unforgettable night and a torturous morning after. Chang (ABV 6.4%): Named after Thailand's national animal, the elephant, it's easy to see why Chang beer is so widely consumed throughout the country. The green and gold labeled lager has a strong presence no matter where you turn. The recognizable elephants are even prominently displayed on the kits of Everton FC in England. The wide-mouth can allows drinkers to quickly ingest the rice brewed beer and note its cotton candy-like maltiness. It is advised to drink up quickly, as the decidedly non-organic taste comes through as the drink gets warmer. Chang's taste and low carbonation make it an ideal drink to consume while enjoying typical bar snacks, characterized by salty and fatty flavors. Moo dad diaw (sun-dried fried pork) and peanuts with fried basil leaves are two dishes that would go exceptionally well with the lager. It is also worth warning prospective drinkers that this beer may taste especially bad coming back up. Singha (ABV 5.0%): Singha, pronounced simply as "sing" locally, prominently displays the eponymous mythological lion on its label. Between its 80 years of existence and lucrative partnerships with Chelsea and Manchester United, Singha is difficult to miss. "The Original Thai Beer" is made from barley malt giving it a less processed flavor with high carbonation and a smell that lingers on the breath, announcing to all that you have been relishing in its earthy taste. The crisp and light lager pairs well with seafood and other Thai foods that are less likely to be found at a simple street-side stall. Many would consider Singha to be the best of Thailand's mass brewed lagers and the higher price tag supports this opinion. Leo (ABV 5.0%): While the depiction of a ferocious leopard on its label may be intimidating to some, Leo may be the most widely consumed beer in the kingdom. Brewed by the same company as Singha, Leo targets the medium segment of the Thai population and is often priced at or slightly above Chang. Leo is quite simply the most neutral beer. It has less carbonation than Singha, but more than Chang. Its taste is rather bland but not too watery, similar to an American malt liquor. While this may not sound appealing, it gives Leo the benefit of being extremely drinkable. It is ideal for those who are averse to taking risks with their beer choice. Another hidden benefit of the rather flavorless lager is that it goes supremely well with the vibrant tastes of Thai food. Leo will not get in the way of the ferociously spicy som tum or the hot and sour tom yum about to be devoured. Chang, Singha and Leo are the most popular Thai beers in the Land of Smiles, however other beers are widely available. Phuket beer is a rare brew that is widely considered to be much better than the big three. "Economical" beers also exist such as Archa, Cheers and Thai beer. It's best to stay away from the latter three, unless you find solace in a good, morning hangover. Popular regional beers are also easily found with San Miguel Light from the Philippines dominating the market for light beer and Beerlao from Laos being hands down the best lager in Southeast Asia. Imbibe and enjoy, beer drinkers, and do not forget what was learned here today. Chon gaew!

So you’re coming to Bangkok and looking for a sexy girl to keep you company for a few hours or days but don’t want to go looking for the go go bars or hang out in sleazy pits. In fact if you are new in Bangkok and want to cut straight to the chase you’re spoilt for choice with dozens of Bangkok escorts agencies to keep things simple, convenient and discreet. But they do tend to be much more expensive than the bars of Nana or Soi Cowboy, however the standard of girls is generally higher. Bangkok escorts are now very easy to find and arrange thanks to the internet, where you will find plenty of well maintain sites that list lots of beauties to choose from with multiple pictures and even some ‘chit chat’ from the girl, so you have an idea of what she likes to do and where she will draw the line. Many of these girls are also only part-timers, often promoting themselves as ‘students’ or ‘office workers’ and they do tend to be better educated or at least more up-market than the go go girls. The range stretches from models at 10,000 baht a night to simple working girls who might be a little chubby but will come to your hotel for 1000 baht. Bangkok escorts can be arranged by phone, in the past they would send a motorcyclist around with a portfolio but it’s now much easier to use the internet. You can of course just ask for a couple of girls and once they have shown up you can take your pick, pay the discarded ones a little bonus for their time (250 baht) and send them home, but this isn’t very fair. Escorts agencies also have the advantage of supplying non-Asian women who can’t get away with working in Thai go go bars. Several Bangkok escorts’ agencies that advertise themselves as being upscale offer the company of their escorts for a flat fee that covers only the platonic company of an escort, with anything additional being left to the discretion of the escort and client. Sometimes those seeking out the services of an escort agency are looking for just that, an escort, whether for a social engagement where one does not want to go alone, or simply to have along as a knowledgeable companion when touring Bangkok. Many of these girls offer their services as tour guide companions but the fee they charge for this might be quite high. Even if you aren’t having sex with them you are denying them work opportunities elsewhere. Services offered by Bangkok escorts and their agencies are limited only by the imagination with many agencies willing to cater to even the most seemingly obscure taste. Bangkok escorts can also be arranged for those who want to have any type of massage, from traditional to oil and beyond. Typically Bangkok escorts will charge about 3000 baht for an evening and more if you wish them to remain over night, similar girls out of a bar will cost 1500 baht. Bangkok escorts work on both an in-call and out-call basis. This means that several are willing to entertain callers in their apartments and, the majority, are usually only a phone call away from being able to meet you at your hotel. If you make an advanced booking prior to landing in Bangkok you can have a Bangkok escort meet you at the airport. Aside from ads in newspapers, the Internet is the best source for finding escort agencies. Some hotel concierges can also arrange this but enquire discreetly, some hotels really frown on this. It’s worth shopping around as prices can vary wildly. You don’t get the luxury of seeing the girl in the flesh before committing to have her come to your place, or spending time chatting her up to see if she’s going to be wild or mild in bed, but they are generally are a better class of girl and it cuts out the fuss and hassle of trawling the bars. Bangkok Bar Girls Welcome to the ‘city of Angels’ Bangkok is certainly one of the naughtiest cities in the world, with thousands of Bangkok bar girls who work in the city’s various ‘red light’ districts. Yes, it is an unquestionable fact that many men pencil in a stop to Bangkok on their calendars specifically so that they can have some fun and you needn’t look to far or empty your wallet too much to enjoy a steamy night out (or in). Bangkok bar girls are famous for their sex appeal, friendly and fun nature and easy approach. Unlike other red light districts in the world, Bangkok is very relaxed and it’s bar girls very welcoming. This is an introductory guide, but if you’re familiar with Bangkok bar girls then maybe you’ll be more interested in our pages on where to find go go bars and bangkok escorts. Bangkok bar girls — who are they? The overwhelming majority of Bangkok bar girls come from Isaan, the Northeast region of Thailand, they come from poor rural areas where job opportunities are low paying, they move to Bangkok and join the bar girls scene as a way of earning more money. With their dark complexion, sultry looks and sexy bodies they are almost certainly a hit with the foreign men and whole generations of girls from Isaan and other working class areas have been following a well worn path here for financial improvement. The bar scene holds an added appeal for these women as most do not have an education beyond the sixth grade level. Some of these bar girls also have fatherless children and extended families to support – others might have a layabout boyfriend at home who they support financially. Some do this out of a feeling that they are saving these girls from a hard life, regardless bar girls are often looking for a foreign boyfriend, so the two ends meet. Even as a visitor, don’t ever imagine that your girl thinks of you as special. She might be attracted to you and find you far more fun and generous and caring than the rest, but the moment you leave she’ll be back in the bar working, even if you send her money and she promises to spend her time at language school. The opportunities for them are just too good to pass up, besides the bar scene is often the only place in Bangkok that they feel comfortable. Of course there exceptions to the rule and you may meet a sweet girl who has just started or really doesn’t want to be there, and was just waiting for someone, anyone, to come along and take her out of there. But these are few and as a newcomer you are unlikely to see through any deception. While the vast majority of Bangkok bar girls fall under this category, the bar girl scene is so vast and densely populated that it includes women from all parts of the country as women of different educational and economic backgrounds. In fact as Bangkok becomes increasingly modernised, it is far from unheard of for female university students to work in the bar scene in order to have the funds required to purchase the latest in mobile phone technology and brand name clothes. Lady drinks Sit down at a bar and begin chatting up Bangkok bar girls and soon the request will come for you to buy a drink. This is the infamous Bangkok bar girl ‘lady drink’, and it is one way to pay the rent if you insist on just chatting without taking one of them home. Lady drinks are usually a set price (more expensive than your drink but not unreasonable – about 120 baht) and they are often watered down to prevent the girls getting too drunk. Remember, Thais have a lower alcohol tolerance, but if you want to get her ‘softened up’ then order her a beer. The girls are pretty forward and suggestive from the start and you may end up being immediately talked into buying a drink right away for a girl other than the one you might have your eye on. For sure, they wont allow you to sit more than 10 minutes without buying a drink. Buy one for yourself and not a girl then they will think you are ‘kii nieow’ (stingy) and leave you alone. Bar fines Now for the bar fines! When you’ve decided to take a girl out the bar with you, you will have to pay a ‘bar fine’. These vary from 200 to 500 baht and can be quite a rip off. It’s useful to know what the bar fine is before you start spending money on drinks. The more commercial and obvious the place the more the bar fine. Up market places tend to charge more. This fee is separate from anything you later agree with girl, though you can usually bash her down in price if the bar fine has been excessive (she gets some of it anyway). The ‘fine’ is added to your bill and you usually pay the girl. All of this is controlled by the ‘mamasan’ – who is vaguely equivalent to a pimp but serves a bigger function of taking care of the girls (often they all live together on the premises), acting like a bigger sister and wearing the big boots in the place. Mamasans are often ladyboys or retired bar girls. The bar girl scene The bangkok bar girl scene is nothing more than a huge financial osmosis which draws vast amounts of money out of the wallets of us flush farangs and into the needy pockets of thousands of sweet, deceptive players who can often be ruthless and without conscience. If you want to play, then keep this in the back of your mind the whole time. It’s not surprising that the bar girl scene in Bangkok is popular among expats and tourists with its ready supply of beautiful women Thai girls. The scene is loose, unrestricted and at times a wild party atmosphere. Most bangkok bar girls speak enough English to get by. Of course, many ‘farang’ men living in Bangkok have a great time with this and some are even stupid enough to fall in love with a bar girl. Some do this out of a feeling that they are saving these girls from a hard life, regardless bar girls are often looking for a foreign boyfriend, so the two ends meet. Even as a visitor, don’t ever imagine that your girl thinks of you as special. She might be attracted to you and find you far more fun and generous and caring than the rest, but the moment you leave she’ll be back in the bar working, even if you send her money and she promises to spend her time at language school. The opportunities for them are just too good to pass up, besides the bar scene is often the only place in Bangkok that they feel comfortable. Of course there exceptions to the rule and you may meet a sweet girl who has just started or really doesn’t want to be there, and was just waiting for someone, anyone, to come along and take her out of there. But these are few and as a newcomer you are unlikely to see through any deception. While there have been cases of foreigners wedding a bar girl and the relationship actually being a success over the long-term, this is generally not the case. Most relationships between foreigners and bar girls fail for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the massive gulf in terms of culture, economic status, and earning power. Choosing to enter the bar girl scene for a Thai women represents a choice that clearly breaks from what is accepted in Thai society and as such, women in this scene, in some but not all cases, may not hold too high a standard in terms of honesty etc. Add to this the fact that the girls’ friends are likely all in the bar circle, and the odds thin out even further when it comes to dating success with a bar girl. Enjoy their company, have a laugh, pay them money, but in most cases it is inadvisable to start a relationship with Bangkok bar girls. As the popular saying goes; ‘you can take the girl out of the bar but you can never take the bar out of the girl’.

Without its famous massage parlours the Bangkok sex reputation simply wouldn’t be quite the same. They certainly are an attraction for some and offer a more discreet and sometimes sensual experience than simply picking up a girl from the go go bars. In fact these ‘full body massage’ places are far less easy to find your way to than the obvious girlie bar areas and are most often frequented by Thais. Sex massages in Bangkok are offered at many venues across the city, and your best chance of finding one of these is in Thailand is in Bangkok where they are widely permitted. Since the sex takes place on the premises they need to operate in the shadows of the law and therefore aren’t generally found in the popular tourist areas. Usually a tuk tuk driver will offer you a flyer to these places. Inside a Bangkok sex massage parlour It works like this; a selection of ladies, ranging from a handful to dozens, sit in a ‘fishbowl’ with one-way mirrors and you relax in the sofas on the other side, while you take your time over a beer to choose one (indicated by numbers). After paying up front your experience begins with a sensual soaping down in a bath, provided by your naked hostess of choice. After this you get to romp on an adjacent double bed and it’s usually all over within 90 minutes. The quality of the venues, the selection of the girls and the price vary widely - especially at peak times but you can expect to pay 1500 to 2500 baht. If you are visiting and have been taken there by a taxi driver you’ll have little choice but to accept what’s on offer but locals know better, and will often do the rounds of several places in an evening to find good value. The most expensive sex massage parlours in Bangkok don’t always have the best girls, and even a big selection can be quite uniform - aimed at Asian tastes for white skin ultra-skinny girls which you might not find appealing. If a minibus full of Japanese or Koreans has arrived before you then the price will be inflated and the selection poor. Some sit around waiting for new girls to emerge, but these are the busiest in the house. There are a few tips to getting the most out of these Bangkok sex massage parlours. Timing is essential, never go on a weekend or at the end of month, when they are busiest. Typically a parlour will have two dozen girls on duty but few of them will be really worthwhile. Of course different girls appeal to different tastes but by 9pm only the dregs are left. Often they have different prices for different girls (usually shown by colour of numbers), depending on who is most popular. Luckily Thai men have altogether different tastes. The other big question is how they perform, and this unfortunately is very hit and miss. Since the girls can’t detect your presence in the room there’s no way of seeing how they react to you. There’s no fraternising over a few drinks to get an idea of how much ‘fun’ she is likely to be. But you do get a chance to chat with them a bit and see how ‘interested’ they are. Few will speak English and often these girls have experienced such a high turnover of men that they simply lie there and let you get on with it, which is a bit of a turn off. Occasionally you get a girl who senses a big tip and the whole experience is memorable. Others tend to need extra tipping to get them to give you a proper service, demanding extra for every additional request you have. Once you’ve cum, it’s all over, regardless of how long it took, and you’ll have to pay extra to linger. Sex massage parlours in Bangkok are ideal if you need to be discreet or want a quickie without a big drinks bill or bar fine, but they can be far less satisfying than meeting a lovely bar girl and taking her back to your place. Dirty massages A far tamer massage often given is known as the dirty massage. This is an oil massage where you get massaged in ‘additional places’ for an extra fee of about 500 baht (on top of the 200+ baht for the massage). There are places that specialise in this and others that will oblige, provided you are in a private booth. Many of the masseuses in Bangkok (except in hotels and spas) will agree to this but it really is dependent on them. Generally the closer the place is to a go go area and the more ‘welcoming’ the ladies, the more likely they will be to offer. This is usually done in a teasing manner, occasionally brushing their hand over your privates. So you needn’t worry, lie back and enjoy the drawn out experience, it’s far more fun. Some of these ladies will even agree to move the massage back to your place, which will cost more, and can lead to ‘the works’, if you’re lucky (and pay them well). Sex massage parlours in Bangkok There are many massage parlours all over Bangkok, especially in some of the more touristy areas, and often it can be difficult to suss out whether your chosen venue is indeed a sex massage parlour, or just a ‘normal’ one. This is complicated further by the fact that the differences between the two types of establishment are often quite blurred; you can be in a place which seems like a regular massage shop, but can be engaging in activities which will certainly be more at home in a place which offers ‘special massages’!

Many of those living in Thailand only know that today they do not have to go to work. This is exciting for many, and can also be difficult to discover exactly what the significance of the day is. While it may appear to be just another day “Buddha Day,” Asarnha Bucha day is, in fact, one of the most holy days of Theravada Buddhism. The holiday lands on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. On this day, hundreds of years ago, Buddha gave his first sermon following his enlightenment. The sermon itself took place at Deer Park in Benares, India. The sermon was attended by five ascetics. Buddha taught these men the Four Noble Truths. These Truths explain the conceptual framework of Buddhism and enlightenment. They are the understanding that life is suffering, suffering is caused by craving, there is an attainable state beyond suffering and craving, and the final truth is the path to attain this state. After the sermon, the monks decided to become followers of the Buddha and, therefore, the first order of monks was started. Asarnha Bucha day also marks the beginning of Vassa, which is commonly referred to as Buddhist Lent in the West. Vassa lasts three lunar months. Most monks will remain in their monasteries for the duration and spend their time meditating. Many Buddhists will refrain from cravings such as meat, alcohol and smoking. Thais will celebrate the day in various ways. Most will go to temple, listen to sermons and make merit. In the evening candles are lit and they circle the temple’s stupa three times. In places such as Ubon Ratchathani, they have an entire candle festival in which elaborate candles are displayed and paraded through the city. In Saraburi, monks will walk the town and locals will make offerings of flowers in their alms bowls instead of food. In sum, Asarnha Bucha is one of the most important days of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. It is mostly important because it marks the date in which the Buddha delivered the vital framework and teaching to reach enlightenment, but also celebrates the founding of the first order or monks and the beginning of Vassa.

Under the inspirational leadership of King Ramkhamhaeng, the Sukhothai empire of the 13th century was the first seriously successful attempt to unify the Thai lands. The art and architecture of this Buddhist kingdom are distinguished by the lotus-bud cheri, a religious tower capped with a tapered final, and sublimey graceful images of the walking and seated Buddha. Modern versions of these ancient artefacts are scattered throughout the hotel and its extensive gardens, while a whole row of red-brick chedis set in a lotus pound form a dazzling ensemble in the hotel’s main internal courtyard. The guest rooms, meanwhile, evoke the glories of the country’s medieval past in more subtle ways, with their refined use of teak floors and Thai silk wall hangings. The Sukhothai likes to think of itself as a sanctuary in the hustle and bustle of one of Asia’s most crowded cities, an oasis of tranquility to still the beating heart of the overwrought traveller. Situated in the embassy district of south Lumphini Park, it is indeed a haven from which to sally forth into the frenetic commercialism of downtown Thanon Silom. While you won’t want to miss out on the attractions of this fascinating city, facilities like the Sukhothai’s award-winning Thai restaurant, set on an island in a lotus pond, and the garden spa, which harnesses the natural benefits of its green surroundings, will surely keep luring you back.

The Marriott name has been considered synonymous with great hospitality for decades. With five-star hotels in most major international cities, the Marriott certainly knows how to pamper its guests with world-class facilities and luxurious comforts. Naturally, to cater for business travellers whose work takes them away from home for lengthy periods, the Marriott created its signature Executive Apartments. Much like the Marriott hotels, these apartments afford the ideal combination of home-style living with all the indulgences of hotel services. The Mayfair Marriott in the heart of Bangkok is no different. Situated in the central business district, and close to the main embassies, the Mayfair Marriott offers extended-stay travellers a plush base away from home. Just minutes away are the city’s major department stores, excellent Thai, Asian and international restaurants, as well as Skytrain stations. Step out of the property’s doors and you’ll be greeted by the greenery of Lumpini, Bangkok’s biggest park. With a serene lake, jogging trails and plenty of well-tended gardens, Lumpini provides and oasis of nature, away from Bangkok’s busy urban life. Inside the apartments, the furnishings are just as comfortable as they are elegant. A gourmet kitchen compliments your culinary skills, but if you lack in that department, the Bistro lounge or the new Pool Bar offer a delicious alternative. There is a total of 162 residences, in one- two or three-bedroom configurations. Spacious and sophisticated, they all measure a minimum of 54 sqm and go up to 186 sqm of luxurious living space. Each has the full complement of hotel-style services- laundry, grocery delivery, room service, minimum twice-weekly housekeeping, concierge and business services. To unwind or add a spot of activity to the working day, a large swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and state-of-the-art gym on the 25th floor offer stunning views of the magnificent city below. And on weekends, exploring Bangkok’s unbeatable sights is easy. The Marriott Mayfair can arrange tour’s of the city’s most revered temples, its floating markets, rose gardens, and even crocodile wrestling and elephant shows. Indeed, all the excellent services of a five-star hotel can be expected at Marriott Mayfair Exclusive Apartments. The only difference is that guests call these stellar apartments ‘home’.

Located right in the heart of South East Asia, Thailand is an amazing country with mass appeal attracting millions of visitors every year. The country is famed for its culture, cuisine, beautiful scenery, palm fringed beaches, irresistible tropical islands and its famous capital Bangkok is a vibrant city full of energy and growth - there is an endless array of international standard shopping, entertainment and dining, one simply could never get bored here! The Thai government has been keen to attract foreign investment putting policies in place to make Thailand a favourable country for investing - in 2011 foreign direct investment expanded 17% to 180 billion baht. Like London, Paris and New York, Bangkok's history is inextricably linked to the river that flows through it, the Chao Phraya. It remains in many ways the pulse of this great city and continues to play a key role in the life and growth of Bangkok. The Chao Phraya is not only an exciting and dynamic context for the development, but also provides an unprecedented level of privacy and exclusivity afforded by its' over 200-metre width. It is the unique setting of The River upon the banks of the Chao Phraya that distinguishes this project and sets it apart from any other in Bangkok. Located in a prime area of the city, opposite some of Bangkok's most prestigious addresses and commanding stunning views back towards the skyline. At over 250 metres in height The River will be one of Bangkok's tallest structures, and a new world class icon of waterfront living. On one side of each tower, an elegant curved glass facade arcs majestically above the water. On the other, straight sides and deep articulations provide architectural interest and a very contemporary feeling. The towers have been carefully sculpted into a series of cascading and varying heights and the vision of creating Bangkok's premier residential development required that luxury and privacy took precedence over density. The two tower scheme fulfils the promise of uncompromised views, while at the same time creating a new iconic landmark on the Bangkok skyline. Facilities include a unique riverfront promenade area for entertainment and dining, sky gardens, state of the art fitness suite, infinity lap pool, leisure pools, ample car parking, 24 hour security. The design of the apartments within The River is based on the belief that the sophisticated client of today deserves a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing their living environment. Units ranging from compact studios all the way up to large duplex units provide a plethora of living arrangements based on unit layout, floor level and the views afforded. The River's interiors have been painstakingly crafted by legendary French interior design specialists J+H Boiffils - the team behind the interiors of The Emporium and Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Le Printemps in Shanghai, and some of the most stylish condominiums in Paris. Every condominium at The River features the highest quality finishes and fully-fitted kitchens, as well as state-of-the-art smart living solutions by Siemens or equivalent. The River is Bangkok's finest waterfront condominium and offers an unrivalled choice of luxurious apartments, duplexes and penthouses in 2 iconic towers on the banks of the famous river that flows through Thailand's vibrant capital. The River has an exclusive and prime location right in the heart of Bangkok's only true 5 star neighbourhood and commands stunning views across the river and to the city's skyline. The River is a prestigious waterfront development comprising two unique towers of exceptional style and offers supremely luxurious properties with one of the best addresses in Bangkok. The 2 towers that make up The River have a prime location on the banks of the world famous river Chao Phraya and boast 120m of exclusive river frontage. The development also includes a river promenade with a variety of entertainment and fine dining experiences, a state of the fitness centre, riverfront gym, sports courts, riverfront infinity pool, leisure pools, breath taking sky gardens and 24 hour security. The unique location of the river allows residents to be right in the heart of Thailand's capital city with easy access to Bangkok's business and shopping hubs coupled with all the pleasures of waterfront living. The apartments and duplexes are luxurious and thoroughly modern in every way. The building position and orientation were extensively studied in order to ensure unobstructed views out from every unit. Pricing in The River starts ranges from just $195k usd for a fabulous studio up to $8.7m usd for an outrageous penthouse! With its highly desirable location, rental returns at The River are expected to be 7% The developer - Raimon Land is a multi award winning real estate company and one of Thailand's finest. Listed on the Thai stock exchange, Raimon Land has 7 successfully completed projects located in Bangkok and major Thai resorts.

International schools in Thailand are something you will quickly notice when arriving in the country and there are plenty to choose from no matter where you make your abode. These are schools that follow British, American, Australian, and Singaporean curriculum and where English is spoken as the primary language. The fact that that English is spoken is mainly the reason why expats want to send their children to these schools. Also, graduates from these schools usually go off to college in western countries having been prepared for further studies that equip them to do such. These schools provide the highest quality education and here are some other useful bits of information on them. The Benefits on International Schools in Thailand Besides being a place where your child can be taught in English, there are other distinct advantages to international schools. Because these schools are privately funded through tuition, they generally have more money to put back into resources, teachers, facilities, and equipment. Teachers are paid better at these schools than anywhere else in Thailand so you naturally get better quality. International schools are also up on the latest trends in using information technology in order to facilitate classroom learning therefore they tend to have modern servers and software. Thailand international schools are also accredited and there are accrediting organizations that come annually, study the school, and then make recommendations to management. They are also regulated by the Thai Ministry of Education to ensure that children receive Thai cultural training which is critical to having a better quality of life here. Another important benefit is that students attending these schools get an education in a multi-cultural environment. The student population does not just come from the United States and United Kingdom. They come from all over the world since English is the universal language. What will it Cost? Thailand international schools are pricey so you should make sure that you get what you pay for. The prices range from around 100,000 THB to as much as 500,000 THB per year. They also have registration fees that can be between 5,000 THB and 75,000 THB. The bottom line is that pricing depends on the school. Practically all of these schools have a website and publish their prices. Expect to pay lower tuition for beginning grades and to pay higher as your children get older. If you have more than one child, there may be a discount for that. What to Look for in an International School? There are some international schools in Thailand that miss the mark when it comes to quality. It could be for several reasons. Remember that these schools are a business and if their enrollment is low it will more than likely affect how much tuition can be put back into them. Nonetheless, there are details to look for when evaluating an international school for your child. First, the school should promote and insist on English as the primary language used. Many affluent Thai, Korean, Indian, and Chinese families also send their children to international schools and insist on English as well. An international school teacher should never be providing instruction in anything other than English. Second, you want to look at the facilities. Are they well kept? Are classrooms clean and organized? Are classroom sizes reasonable? Are they air conditioned? Do washroom facilities have soap and tissue (you would be surprised that some do not)? Another question to ask when choosing among Thailand international schools is if there are scholarship programs available. Many of these schools award scholarships to top performing students each semester and it is a way to save if you have a child who works exceptionally hard in school. One way to determine if the school is giving a quality education is to look at how many of the graduates are attending universities in places such as the U.K., U.S., Australia, or any other top-name school outside of Thailand. You also need to look at the kinds of standardized testing students are being administered in their junior high and high school years such as the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Another way to make sure your child gets a well-rounded education at an international school in Thailand is to look at the after-school programs offered. These are offered at an additional fee however their prices are not unreasonable. These could be courses in dance, guitar, Thai language, and even other world languages. An international school in Thailand, in order to be accredited with the Thai Ministry of Education, must also instruct children in Thai language and culture. This is a definite plus because it allows your children to get more out of their Thailand experience. Get all the facts about these schools prior to your departure from your homeland and find the best among Thailand international schools that meets your needs.

Like all Banyan Tree properties, the Banyan Tree Bangkok sits like an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the Thai capital. Enter its doors and the soft, comforting scent of exotic lemongrass premeates your being, evoking a rich and immediate sense of serenity and relaxation. Just 30 minutes away from Bangkok International Airport, the Banyan Tree Bangkok is the only all-suite hotel in the heart of the City of Angels, and boasts the tallest garden spa. The building it occupies soars up to 61 floors, and right at the apex of this arresting structure is the Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar. Shortly after it opened, Vertigo was awarded the Best New Restaurant Award 2002 by Bangkok Dining and Entertainment magazine. At sunset, this sprawling space under the stars come alive, as guests arrive to watch the brilliant shades of crimson transform into the darkness of night. Set on a former helipad, the restaurant affords an outstanding 360-degree view of the city, with glittering landmarks-behold the Grand Palace twinkling in gold, the Royal Chapel, the Chao Phraya river, Wat Pho temple, National Museum and the serene Emerald Buddha. Thanks to this stunning landscape, an excellent team of service staff and a mouth-watering menu of international cuisine, the Vertical Grill and Moon Bar has become a favourite haunt for visitors from every corner of the world. Able to seat up to 100 gests, Vertigo is divided into three sections a cosy romantic dining courtyard, a hip private party lounge, and the sultry Moon Bar for cocktail chill-out sessions under the stars. So popular is this venue that some of the city's most glamorous parties and events, from fashion launches to birthday celebrations, have been held here. The cuisine of the Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar matches its spectacular views, with dishes like Red Mullet En Papillote with Thyme, Grilled Oysters with Parmesan Cheese and Mediterranean tapas, guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds and lift the spirits. Most of its creations encompass barbecue items-straight from the grill onto your plate. All these are best enjoyed with a glass of fine champagne, wine or cocktails, as you watch the panoramic setting sun disappear below the lights of Thailands capital city.

Located in the heart of Bangkok’s business, shopping and entertainment district, The Dusit Thani, Bangkok has made a name for itself as one of the city’s finest hotels. Amongst its 517 luxurious appointed guest rooms are its unique Thai Heritage Suites that bear distinctive decorative motifs from this rich culture. State-of-the-art business and fitness facilities, as well as the essential amenities, make your time here a pleasure. Complementing these, the hotel boasts fine food and beverage outlets to suit the most demanding of tastes. The jewel in Dusit Thani’s culinary crown is its French fine dining restaurant D’Sens. This remarkable restaurant was modelled on the famous Le Jardin des Sens in Montpellier, France-one of the only 27 restaurants in France to be awarded three prestigious Michelin stars. D’Sens was created by twin brothers Jacques and Laurent Pourcel, hailed by gourmands around the globe as two of the world’s finest chefs. Influenced by their home province of Languedoc in southern France, the brothers have produced a menu combining Mediterranean-style cooking with carefully selected Thai ingredients. The result is a truly memorable dining experience redolent with exciting tastes and dramatic flavours. Unsurprisingly, gastronomes have been flocking to D’Sens since it opened in 2004. Insurpassable cuisine demands divine decor: at D’Sens the interiors were created by international designer, Imaad Rhamouni. Pass through a spectacular curtain of handcrafted glass beads before being guided to a private booth, decked with leather banquettes and chairs, posed on Paul Smith carpets. Admire huge aquariums full of tropical fish or the breathtaking views of the city and Lumpini Park below. After dinner, enjoy drinks at Dusit Thani’s MyBar-a wild mix of modern decor with illuminated white glass and polished metal trims. sit back in MyBar’s plush lounge and lap up live jazz from the resident band. When the band takes a break and the DJ appears, groove to R&B and pop tunes before calling it a fabulous night.

In 1982, as Bangkok celebrated its bicentennial, a hotel was designed and built as a meeting place of two worlds: one of efficiency and practicality, and the other of Thai graciousness and tradition. The layout of the hotel was based on a typical Thai home and features two atriums or courtyards connected to its main area. Corridors and room entryways face a huge tropical garden that offers serenity and respite. Almost a decade later, this grand architectural landmark is now known as Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. Over the last few years, it has been refurbished and restored to perhaps even greater grandeur, and has consistently won awards and accolades for it hospitality, design and service. Located on Rajadamri Road – One of the city’s most famous boulevards- the hotel features 340 superbly decorated rooms, including 24 suites and eight unique Garden cabanas. These are luxurious environments that reflect the design philosophies of this urban resort. Thai silks, cotton and sumptuous chenille fabrics pay homage to its Thai heritage, accented by a colour scheme of powder red, gold and celadon green. All the rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok are amongst the delicious Thai Restaurant in Bangkok. Good food complements excellent design, with bottles of Thai spices lining the restaurant’s teak shelves, and gunnysacks of rice and salt sitting on ledges around the room. Enjoy the hotel’s other dining outlets as well: Biscotti, an Italian restaurant; Madison, contemporary American steakhouse; and Shintaro, which serves innovative Japanese cuisine. All are designed by award-winning Tony Chi, and draw a regular crowd; both day and night. Discerning shoppers can take their pick of premier stores at the Parichart Shopping Arcade. You’ll find the best Thai silks, arts, crafts and gems, as well as salons and tailors. And if you need a massage to soothe aching muscles, the hotel’s Health Club boasts treatments like Thai and Oriental massages. Indeed, there is something for everyone at this Thai legend.