@Kool ******

Absolutely wrong. What gym you pick is crucial. If you are a recreational martial artist, you don't want to be in a gym full of ego driven killers. And vice versa, you don't want to sign a long-term commitment with a gym that's just there to take your money, with coaches and trainers, who don't know what they are doing. Picking the right gym for you is crucial. Visit observe and workout at several gyms, before signing a long-term commitment.

I did it with my son, who was 18 yoa, and a Black Belt in Tang Soo Doo. We did it in Pattaya. Pluses: Very active international gym and fight scene, with many gyms and trainers to choose from. Many inexpensive, but nice accommodations. Good medical options available if necessary. Many good and inexpensive restaurants. Minuses: a lot of distractions. My suggestion, come into it in shape and well trained, ready to go. Personally, visit, observe and work out (if available) at several gyms, before signing a long-term commitment. No longer than month to month.

The mistake you made is offering to pay anything. That's construed as an admission of fault by the dog's owner. Now he is pushing it for more. If facts are as you stated, you are not at fault, thus pay nothing. Offer to pay nothing. "No good deed goes unpunished."

There are several casinos in Poipet, Cambodia at Thailand Border. As long as you stay in this internationally zoned area, Thais don't need to go through either Thai or Cambodia immigration. Less certain about non-Thais. I've been to the very large flea market at Poipet and didn't need to deal with either countries immigration. PS. I've read there very very tough on collecting casino debts in Cambodia.

I've done 3 times with no problems. I think if you are going back to UK or USA (for me) for a few months than coming back to Thailand, you should be OK. It's the ones doing one day or no days border bounces to neighbouring countries, who may have problems.

Bangkok Bank has a branch in NYC, so should be yes.

I've been questioned a few times by airline staff, and maybe once by Thai immigration. When spending thousands of dollars to travel around the World, I'm a: "It's better to have and not need..." type of guy. So, on one trip where it may have been an issue, I booked a cheap flight to Cambodia and actually went to Cambodia for an enjoyable few days.

@Kevin *********

Simple and ez online process. Takes up to 2 weeks, longer if a Thai or USA holiday. So give yourself 3 - 4 weeks. Costs were about $40.00.

@Kevin *********

Just get a 60 day e-visa from Thai Embassy in the US.