@Us ****

I think wet dream a more appropriate thought than fairytale.

I think the point with Rutnin, additional to quality is that it is not crazily expensive either. As I remember they have a separate Lasik unit, but still on Asoke. Easy to get to if Bangkok-based and relatively easy if coming in especially. I think Lasik is always just package pricing, readily advertised so you can shop around from computer monitor. Rutnin won't be as cheap as Bangkok's cheapest private hospitals, but normally way less than the corporates. I like compromises that aren't! In fact I have an appointment at Rutnin this coming Saturday.!

@Geraldine *************

So good! And my major comparative is Moorfields in London. I lived right by Moorfields but would've travelled serious distances to get to that place. Likewise, again London, Western Eye is great, a definite go-to.

Rutnin is THE specialist eye hospital in Thailand.

In Thailand concentrate on looking for hospitality jobs. Jobs aren't reserved for Thais only. In fact in tourism in general the controls are only over guides. You seem personable and with good English and that may be a cue to jobs in, say, hotel reception so long as you focus on hotels that aren't highly focused on Thai customers. Large hotels, though, often have balance across the staff group, some speaking Thai and some not.

@Jeffrey ******

Airlines that allow pre-purchase of excess baggage have a place too. Pre-purchase can be cheap enough, not the punitive excess out of unplanned carriage. Also look for max freebie offering.

@Marc ******************

Exactly right. Ballistic warfare has absolutely zit to do with the traditional meaning of Songkran.

@Ellen *********

And if one were to learn the history of Songkran, came to understand its meaning, one wouldn't party at all!

@Tony ********

Actually a double-problem as in who is the Thai nominee. So often people nominate the Thai wife ................................... so come the divorce!!!!

The deal is honesty. And the problem most normally whether you can handle prolonged exposure to the girlfriend or wife's family. A friend had a horrible time last year as he allowed himself to be bullied into only a few days to do what he wanted. THAT WAS NOT TO VISIT BAR GIRLS - I GET SO SICK OF THOSE ClICHE JOKES but to visit myself in Bangkok and other old friends in Bangkok and Pattaya - particularly an old female friend who is old enough to be his mother. If girlfriend or her family won't handle that it is time to move on. Remember I said the problem is the family not the locality. Important to remember. The locality will will give great new conversational possibilities - like the effect of rice paddy on toe nails.