60

Hi,

You got it wrong. I never ever said that. None of my posts have been deleted. if that was said it was another and not I, I refrain at all times from personal abuse and foul language. If I had used that word I would admit and apologise. That really is my last two pence worth.

61

ok fair enough. The post was deleted so I am not sure myself now. Leave it at that.

62

It's not rocket science, just look in your email account.

63

You have lost me, what email account? 2 posts to this site between #57 and #58 have been deleted. I am referring to what would have been 58. 59 also deleted was from me in response to 58.

64

Are you referring to the recent activity on my profile, never looked there before, the posts aren't there anyway.

65

In my registered email account I get a copy of every post made to every thread I have been active in. I thought everybody did. They are there to be read even though they are subsequently deleted.

66

No I don't get copies and it isn't in the recent activity either. Anyway we have moved on now. Not worth worrying about. My email account us full enough stuff without getting everything I write here aswell but didn't know you had the option to get it.

67

Just had a look and it's down to a setting in your "watch list", you probably didn't tick your box. Shucks now you'll never know ;-)

68

You can tick the watch box and then you do get a copy of all comments (I think) but I use the box on the right of the page when I am registered to pick up on thread updates and therefore often miss out on what gets deleted (I wish they would simply delete the text and add message deleted)

I usually use the watch function only for threads I am not contributing to but may wish to see comments

69

^^ There is no "I think" about it, I can see who called who the "m" word.

70

The m*o* comment and replies were definitely deleted.

71

As to drinks on planes...I meant that on a long trip...the new traveler should relax and not try to anticipate everything that could happen... Plane travel is perfectly safe...and long flights are nothing to worry about... These flights take off and land every day without incident...

If a couple of drinks helps ... go for it... Their should be consideration given to dehydration...which is possible on long flights...especially when alcohol is consumed... Always stay well hydrated while traveling...!

Whatever it takes to just relax and go with the flow is what is needed on long fights...

The point is...don't worry...things have a way of working out...

It is important to get Tuk Tuk drivers that will take you where you want to go...not to their "nice market"... Sometimes this can be difficult...and aggressive drivers are usually the worse... Try to get a Tuk Tuk that is not too pushy... Also expect that you will be charged more for a direct trip...than a trip with a side track to the "nice market"... Get this clear with the driver in advance that you want the fare with "NO SHOPPING!"... And it is best to repeat that over and over...NO SHOPPING!

They understand what that means...and if they don't get another driver...

As to safety on Tuk Tuks I have been all over Bangkok and other Asian cities in Tuk Tuks or similar vehicles and Taxis without incident... That said...South Asia does have a high accident rate...so there is some luck involved...

But As a Western driver...I do not claim to know what "unseen force" protects people in places like Bangkok, Cairo, Jakarta, or other big cities were traffic laws seem to be "optional"... and you just "make your own lane" where none exists...

There are aggressive "touts" everywhere...and you have to learn to say "No" in a way that means No... Its an art form... Try not to show any interest at all in the tout...even the slightest show of interest or weakness and they will never leave you alone...and worse...the friends might show up...!

72

Unless you are really in a hurry or have a very odd destination, do not take a taxi at Bangkok airport! Since a few years, there is a high-speed train from the airport into the city called "Airport Rail Link" which is really cheap. There is an "express" version which is slightly faster, and more expensive, but for me, the regular line was fast enough. This airport rail link connects to the Bangkok "Skytrain". Connection to the Bangkok subway (metro) is less straightforward. I do not say that Bangkok taxi's are bad, the Airrport Rail Link is just more convenient, cheaper and potentially faster.

To more tips for the novice traveler.One is: prepare. There is so much information on the internet nowadays! Use Google maps. For me it proved particularly important to plan the initial hours in advance, because at that time you are not in the best mood to improvise

Another general comment is: ask, ask, ask. It has often been said: there are no stupied questions, just stupid answers. Or: the most stupid thing is not to ask if you are not sure!

Finally, as many people have said already, allow plenty of time. The brand new Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the nicest airports I know to kill some time.

73

that is poor advice. Yes, the AirportRailLink (ARL) is great if all you have is a backpack or a single suitcase BUT it's not so easy if you have multiple large suitcases. In this situation taxi is still the best way to get from A to B - door to door.

brand new? It has been operating since late 2006!

74

"Try not to show any interest at all in the tout...even the slightest show of interest or weakness and they will never leave you alone"

Better still show no interest what so ever. Just ignore them, walk straight by them. Don't even stat a conversation. remember if somebody tries to start up a conversation in the street they are a tout or it is a scam. Genuiune Thais simpley wont initaite a conversation.