@Steve ******

there are exhange kiosks everywhere. I like to use the one on 1st floor inside Central Pattaya Mall, 2nd Road entrance. Walk inside and turn left at the jewelry section. Next to Western Union office

it's 36.47 here in Pattaya. Don't change at the airpot. It's always 2 Baht less on the rate

@John *******

Maneerat travel and visa service. Soi 13 (soi Post Office). Google them or stop in their office

it's the paperwork and photos that make it all happen. And of course the fees paid by the agency to all the hands involved in the process- bank officials, immigration offiers at the district office, the agency staff, the agency assistance at the bank lobby to assist and instruct their client. Excellent service for a modest cost.

No problem. The visa agency services have people at the bank who do this procedure every working day, particularly here in Pattaya. All is taken care of, signatures, stamps, photo copies, etc. The money really isn't deposited, except showing in your bank book that your issued. But it will also show a withdrawel. The photo of your bank passbook is taken showing the 800k in the account and this is for immigration purposes. Just go to a reputable visa service here in Pattaya, and all is taken care of. If you need to get some document they will instruct you what to do.

@Max *********

yes, but your Thai girlfriend better be doing the driving and she needs a motorcycle license. Otherwise, she is risking (you) of having to fork over 1000 Baht on spot or have the bike impounded.

yes, no other place in the world is quite like Thailand. It has something for everyone and anyone. Great food choices, world classs entertainment; good infrastructure, shopping; exotic Buddhist temples; shope for jade, gold, silver, etc. Party, drink, eat till you drop. All within most people's budget.

Wish it were that easy to bring a gf to the U.S.A. for holiday. Practically impossible.

Pava Scotty fast food is everywhere there now.

I guess you didn't take any Geography courses in high school or college. You would have known that much of Thailand is located in the tropical zone latitudes. Subtropical in the northern areas. Asking where's the best place to eat is like asking where's the best place to eat in the U.S.A.