Riding a bicycle on Pattaya's street is as dangerous as driving any other vehicle in this reckless city. Many - if not most - drivers do not know, or simply ignore, all traffic rules. There are not only Thai people ignoring the rules, guests from the Indian subcontinent, Russians as well as Westeners take part in this sometimes deadly game. Thailand's lazy Police doesn't do anything to change the situation. If you want to rent a bicycle, ask your concierge or go to Soi Lengkee, off Soi Buakhaow. Cheaper bicycles you can buy at Big C, Tesco/Lotus and at CentralFestival (Supersport, 2nd floor). More expensive bicyles you can find in bike shops on Sukhumvit (near Sawang Fa) and Thepprasit (Soi 8) Roads. Most bicyles sold in this country are assembled in Thailand, mostly from parts sourced from China. But tires and tubes are usually purchased locally from a company called Camel. Therefore we recommend to buy a good pump. The tubes have to be inflated almost every 3 to 4 days. Screws and spokes on 'Made in Thailand' bicycles start to rust in Pattaya after about 6 months, up country it sometimes takes 2 or 3 months longer. After all, it is not surprising that the installed brakes are usually only sufficient to brake a girl of max 30 kg, but not a 70 kg Farang. In addition, the assemblers assume that the bikes are used only in daylight. The bicycles lack sufficient lighting. The quality of the pedal bearings also leaves a lot to be desired. Usually, they have to be replaced after just one year. Newspapers and Internet sites are reporting, that Pattaya provides some bicycle lanes. That's not correct. It is true that Itthiphol Kunplome, the former Mayor of Pattaya and brother of the current post-holder, promised to install cycle paths in Pattaya. Like most of his promises, this idea too was never put into practice. The existing cycle paths do not belong to Pattaya, but were built by Sattahip.

Thailand's Dictator General Prayuth Chan-ocha is a master of delays and empty promises. Since 2014 he promises his citizens fair and free polls, but after each new promise he delayed the polls citing more or less stupid reasons. General Prayuth Chan-ocha has promised and postponed elections several times since his 2014 coup overthrew a civilian government. On February 27th, 2018, the Junta Leader delayed the general election promised for November 18th, 2018, once again but promised it would take place 'no later' than February 2019. But on December 29th, 2018, Khaosod English as well as Bangkok Post reported that the Election Commission has refused to confirm the date amid rumours the poll could be delayed by a month. There are also legitimate doubts that the choice will be "free". In recent years, Thailand's Dictator General Prayuth Chan-ocha and his handpicked Military Junta have changed the country's constitution and electoral laws several times to prevent a victory for parties uncomfortable with the regime. Some sources even fear rigged elections. For additional Information please read:

• Bangkok Post: Senator candidate complains about vote-buying
• Bangkok Post: PM warns against campaigning with his name
• Bangkok Post: Foreign poll monitors can build trust
• Bangkok Post: 2'800 senator candidates chosen ahead of final round
• Bangkok Post: 2'700 senator candidates to choose 200 on Thursday
• Bangkok Post: No need' for election monitor
• Bangkok Post: EC to check social media posts
• Bangkok Post: Calls mount for foreign poll observers
• Bangkok Post: The National Legislative Assembly (NLA), installed by the coup leader, appointed two retired bureaucrats for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and dumped five heavyweights in human rights advocacy
• Bangkok Post: Poll proposal for March 10 gains steam
• Khaosod English: Man Complains of Election Fraud, Gets Attitude Adjustment
• Khaosod English: Prayuth’s Ex-Deputy Says Junta Leader Shouldn’t Be PM Again
• Khaosod English: In Reversal, Foreign Poll Monitors May Be Allowed For February Vote
• The Nation: Voting for senate candidates in Thailand
• The Nation: Ex-Cabinet colleague says Prayut unfit to be the PM
• The Nation: Minister explains comment on poll observers

• Bangkok Post: Government admits election delay
• Khaosod English: Coronation Could Affect February Elections
• The Nation: Govt throws ball in EC’s court while suggesting a month’s delay in elections
• Bangkok Post: EC refuses to set date unless government moves first
• Khaosod English: #DelayMyAss: Thainet Just Can’t With Another Election Delay
• The Nation: Amid netizens uproar over likely poll delay, EC tells govt to publish decree

• Bangkok Post: Poll 'guaranteed' before May 9th...

• Bangkok Post: February 24th Election now impossible
• The Nation: PM finally says it: Election date will be changed
• Khoasod English: March 24th may be suitable for Election

Bangkok Post: Military firepower

Bangkok Post: Thailand's new rules for the House of Representatives

Bangkok Post: Poll outcome will not diminish the military's prominent role in politics

Moreover, during the last two years Royalist Rebels and Security Forces removed reminders of democracy in Thailand in secret and without explanation. Khaosod English: Monument Marking Defeat of Royalist Rebels Removed in Dead of Night The Nation: Disappearing democracy

Translators from Google and Bing are excellent readers of messages from other languages, but should be used with caution as translators. Here are some messages myLady™ sent me by mail in Thai, and what Google and Bing have made of it: myLady™: Today, Farangs are eating Smoothies Google: Today, westerners eat water. Bing: Today, the guava eats water. myLady™: Empty Google: out of stock Bing: All myLady™: Aoy's Grandmother called me Google: Only one mother, call me Bing: Single Yathon myLady™: My Granddaugther is also working Google: Take your grandchildren to work with Bing: My child is working. myLady™: Cold weather, don't forget to wear appropriate clothes. Google: Cold weather, don't forget to wear a sweater. Bing: Do you wear a sweater Naoaya? myLady™: Younger brother Google: Younger brother Bing: Older brother myLady™: Younger brother in law Google: Younger brother Bing: Younger brother in law

Recent research published by The BMY show that meals served in sit-down restaurants are unhealthier than the one provided in fast-food chains. Health experts claim that meals should not exceed 600 calories, but in this study meals averaged 1'033 calories in restaurants and 751 calories in fast-food chains. The research found that Sit-down restaurants were five times more likely to offer high-calorie meals of 1'000kcal or more than fast-food restaurants. KFC topped the fast-food list with an average of 987 calories per meal offered. Burger King, McDonald's and Subway were around 700kcal/meal.

The tradition of giving food, known as alms, to the monks every morning as a way to accumulate karma for this life and the next has precipitated an obesity crisis amongst the clergy. The food and drinks they consume every morning is so unhealthy the number of overweight and unhealthy monks now exceeds the national average. As you know - or at least can see - Thailand is already one of the fattest countries in Asia, second only to neighbouring Malaysia. A survey conducted in Thailand says that one in three Thai men are obese, while more than 40 percent of women are significantly overweight. Thailand's Dictator General Prayuth Chan-ocha likes to blame McDonalds' & Co. for the countries health crisis. He's wrong! The crisis is homemade. Rice, sugar and a lack of exercise are to blame!

To our surprise, Terminal 21 has visitor frequencies that the other shopping centers in Pattaya can only dream of.

Beer Town at Tree Town on Soi Buakhaow. Update (January 3rd): Good News, the venue is open again! BeerTown's management makes clear and writes: Beertown never closed. They always take the 1st of January off. They also have a new homemade food menu. Sofa seating. Thai BBQ and live music all night Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Thirsty Camel on Soi LK Metro. Update (January 3rd): Good News, the venue is open again!

Usagi Isakaya, Japanese Restaurant on South Road, a few meters only from Walking Street. Update (January 3rd): Good News, the venue is open again!

Boom Boom Sushi Room on Walking Street. Update (January 3rd): Good News, the venue is open again!

Jai Ho, an Indian Restaurant and Bar closed down. Update (January 17th): Good News, the venue is open again!

PattayaSweethearts reports that it added the new Sky Hip Reosrt to its List of Love Inns in Pattaya. Sky Hip Resort is a Bungalow type Motel and is located on Soi Bun Kanchana 2.

Jomtien's new Food Market on Soi Bun Kanchana is now in full swing with a bunch of Thai food booths, Italien type coffee bars and a Pizza outlet. Enjpy it during a mild Thai winter night.

Also on.Soi Bun Kanchana and only a few meters from the new night market, a Seafood Buffet opened. Eat as much Seafood as you can for 399 Baht/person, not including any drinks.

In December Gold Finger opened a Massage Center in the rooms of Ann's former Internationale Küche on Naklua Road. Gold Finger already runs a Massage & Spa on Pattaya Beach Road at Baywalk Residence, also known as City Walk.

Mai Thai on Naklua Road serves tasty Belgian Draft Beers from Hoegaarden and Stella Artois.

Located on South Pattaya Road between the Star Soccer Arena and The Rich Love Motel, 7-ELEVEN opened an all new concept store. You can get the whole 7-ELEVEN range of goods, but no alcoholics. In addition, it offers a nice and very clean food booth and a coffee bar on a balcony.

On Pattaya 3rd Road, in the rooms of the former Venus Lounge, an Indian Restaurant called The Crystal opened its door.

Also on Pattaya 3rd Road, to the right of the Indian Restaurant mentioned above, the Da 'Vin Bar opened its door. The new bar provides a free pool table and a large choice of beers and cocktails.

Oishi's Eaterium opened at CentralFestival Pattaya Beach. Oishi promised a new definition of Japanese restaurants. It looks more than a canteen...

La Strada, a cozy Caffe located on Pattaya Central Road opposite the Krungthai Bank, enlarged its premise. It's now a cozy and beautiful Bar, Restaurand and Caffe.

Thaiichi, located at the 'Football Stadium' on Pattaya Central Road, got a facelift. The venue is known for tasty Japanese Food at reasonable prices.

During Christmas time Gyo Gyo Gyo, once announced as a 'high class' Japanese Restaurant on Pattaya Beach Road, obviously changed its format: On top of its Gyo Gyo Gyo logo you can find a big new Steak & Bar sign. It's a very nice place, but it gives the impression that the owner(s) do not know how to run a business...

Gokul announced the opening of an Indian Fast Food Outlet at the entrance to Soi 4, off Second Road.

Noir, a Thai Pub with an eventful history, closed down. The building is located in Northern Pattaya, about 100 meters only from the successful Hollywood Pub. We will keep you up-to-date.

In the small Soi conneting Soi 7 with Soi 8, all the bars in the once popular Bar Complex, located opposite the Sunbeam Hotel, had to close the doors to make space for a new hotel, we were told. We will keep you up-to-date.

The popular Family Mart at the entrance to Boystown had to close. The whole building is on the block. We will keep you up-to-date.

JD Bar on Soi 8 closed down. The bar was located in front of the Baron Hotel between the Aussie Bar and the Next Best Bar. The venue is on the Block. Call 081-435 2229 or 038-412 035 if interrested.

Lek's Classroom Bar 2 on Soi 7 closed down. The bar had a short life, It opened during April 2018.

Happy's Turkish Cafe & Restaurant on Soi 8 closed down. Update (January 28th): Good News, the venue is open again!

In the rooms of a former Italian Restaurant called Da Cionso & Claudio the Soi Buakhaow's one and only Beach Bar opened.

In the rooms of the defunct Unique Blue Sports Bar the Phantom Bar opened. Phantom Bar opens its door daily from 14:00 until 02:00 and provides free WiFi, free Pool and free Darts - you only have to pay for the drinks!

Beer Hubb takes over the building redesigned for - but never used by - Le Petit Paris at Tree Town. We will keep you up-to-date.

During Christmas Holidays the Rocker Bar replaced the Pleasure Hut Bar.

The building of Plastica, once an Aesthetic Surgery & Skin Clinic, is on the block. If you are intersted please call 08 1874 6697.

Seventh Heaven closed its door even before Christmas. The venue opened as a bar on June 15th, 2018. Should you be interested to run a business in Soi Buakhaow, please call 064 661 6244.

Three Lords Pub & Restaurant closed down during December 2018.

Unique Blue Sports Bar closed down without prior notice.

2 Brothers, a Restaurant to the left of Jai Ho, closed down too. The venue opened during September 2018.

We are collecting the latest news. Please come back in a few days.

Pattaya City Hall ordered its dredger into Soi Chaiyaphoon to celebrate Christmas.

On January 1st, Tomcat's Bar replaced the defunct Britisch Bull Dog Bar.

Bevor it even opened, Pump Station 3 is already on the block. The venue was announced to open 'soon' in the rooms of the former ISS Laguna Restaurant. Should you be interested to run a bar in Soi 6, please call 088 213 5304. We will keep you up-to-date.

My Friend You was closed on January 23rd, 2018.

Nature Club was closed on January 23rd, 2018.

Passion Dance Club was closed out of the blue on December 28th, 2018.

Update (January 23rd): Work just started to create something new...

We are collecting the latest news. Please come back in a few days.

After many months of hard work, Social Lounge & Bar opened its door to Walking Street's revellers. The new bar provides comfortable seatings in a very relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps even too beautiful for Walking Street. Time will tell.

TeeRak A Go-Go is the name of the new A Go-Go Club located at the entrance to Soi Diamond. The first two Darlings (english translation of Teerak) are already waiting behind their smartphones... We will keep you up-to-date.

A new A Go-Go bar is being built at the entrance to Soi B.J., to the right of the reduced Extreme Virtual Reality Booth. An other new A Go-Go Bar develops near the entrance to Soi Diamond.

Work just started to replace the miserable remains of the former Living Dolls 1 A Go-Go Bar. The bar had to close down on May 30th, 2017. We will keep you up-to-date.

Nang Nual, the Streets oldest (and best) Seafood and Steak outlet, got a facelift.

Nang Nual's Beer Garden, open until 24:00, attracts revelers since many months.

On December 31st, 2018, Kabila opened an Indian Nightclub in the building of the miserably failed CoCoon Club. But the venue only opened the second floor. Obviously the first floor was not ready. We are not sure whether the opening of the semi-finished club was a good decision. Experience teaches us that this is usually not rewarded by customers. Fortunately, there are exceptions that confirm the rule.

A Bistro replaces the Black Pearl Restaurant and Rhumerie located on the terrasse in front of the La Fontaine Hotel. The Pirate themed Black Pearl opened during July 2017. We will keep you up-to-date.

Infinity Drug Store closed down and is on the block. Update (January 28th): Good News, the pharmacy is open again, but still on the block!

Mandarin A Go-Go closed down on January 17th. A day later,, the staff joined the workforce from Bypass A Go-Go at the entrance to Walking Street's Soi Happy. Mandarin won't be the last closure... We will keep you up-to-date.

Mauja, a large Indian Dance Club, closed down on January 11th. The venue opened December 30th, 2017. Rumours already are talking about a new investor and a soon re-opening... We will keep you up-to-date.

On December 31st, 2018, Rajah reopened without prior announcement. The venue closed down on October 21st, 2018, for renovation. The club, which opened on May 11th, 2018, was obviously planned without real need. Update (January 3rd): The club already closed down... We will keep you up-to-date

Taj on the Beach, an Indian Restaurant located opposite the entrance to Soi 16, closed down and is on the block. The venue opened during December 2017. Obviously, the 'invasion' of visitors from the Indian subcontinent does not happen as announced by the TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand)...

The White Bar, located to the right of Tony's Bar Complex, is again in the dark. It turn off the lights even before Christmas. After beeing closed a few month, the venue reopened during November 2018. Obviously the TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand) was not able to translate its announcement into action and to encourage more travelers from Russia to visit Thailand.

We are collecting the latest news. Please come back in a few days.

We are collecting the latest news. Please come back in a few days.