Pattaya is located 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok or only about two hour drive. Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure seeking tourists from all over the world.

For Those Who Seek Retirement in Thailand. Firstly, foreigners aged 55 or above can now enjoy a retreat in Thailand for a period of one year at a time by applying for a Non-Immigrant O visa, or otherwise known as the so-called retirement visa. Quite simply, an applicant submits a financial statement of cash deposit of not less than 800,000 Baht, records of a monthly income of 65,000 Baht, or a combination of saving and annual income totaling not less than 800,000 Baht, which must eventually be transferred into a bank account under the applicant’s name in Thailand, along with a health certificate.

A retirement visa holder can enjoy a number of privileges, including the acquisition of real estate in Thailand such as a condominium (with the only exception of land) and tax exemptions. Ranked as one of the best places in Asia for advanced medical treatment and a number of health-oriented services, a retiree can benefit from medical check-up and health care at a reasonable cost and other leisure activities such as fabulous spa treatment, acupuncture, traditional foot and body message, yoga, aromatherapy, to name just a few.

Those who have been frequent visitors to Thailand would also agree that the living environment in Thailand, especially in such major cities as Bangkok, Chiangmai, or Phuket are as enticing as any of the leading cities in the world at more affordable prices. Be they quality housing, internationally-acclaimed restaurants and shops, world-standard international schools, sports and recreational facilities, or E-facilities, retirees can fully avail themselves of all these attractions and facilities that have made Thailand a world renowned travel destination.

Do you qualify for a Retirement Visa? Initially you must apply for a Non-Immigrant visa before you enter the country from a Thai Embassy abroad & permission will be for 90 days for the first permit (single entry). However, you can apply for a multiple max one year stay in Thailand.

When you apply, you will need to prepare the following:

If the alien is ill, or has weak health and is sensitive to colder climates or has resided in Thailand for a long period, and is 50-59 years old, special circumstances may be given. The applicant must also submit medical certificates and proof that he/she lived in Thailand for a long time. For info: Tel: (02) 287-3905 or 287-3101-10 (ext 2259-61

New Information: Pensioners arriving before Oct 1998 with unbroken records while living here only need 200,000 baht in a Thai Bank when they apply for an extension.
The foreigner must show evidence that he/she has income amounting to at least 65,000 baht per month or a bank account amounting to at least of 800,000 baht in cash when initially applying for a one-year visa.
Ready the same day

With all the required documents in hand, and the bank certification dated the same date the applicant goes to the Immigration office, the one year Retirement Visa is usually ready in an hour or so, the same day. Until early 2002 year it took 3 or 4 months - now, many of the Immigration offices have authority to issue the one year Retirement Visa without sending the applications, etc. to Bangkok - i.e. issue them the same day. Note: The bank certification of deposit (of 800,000 baht) must show that the money came into the bank from another country.

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Getting to Pattaya by Air
U Tapao Airport Rayong has a web site with flights and schedules. Probably the easiest way to keep up-to-date. Utapao.com

Transfer from Don Muang Airport
Taxis and limousine service from Bangkok's Don Muang is readily available. Regular Taxi - Expect to pay up to Bt 1,100 Limousine - Thai Airways charges Bt 1,500 while Image Limousines offers some additional amenities at Bt 2,300, a bus from the airport should cost Bt 200. Minibuses going direct to Pattaya from Don Muang Airport depart at 09:00 am, 12:00 Noon and 7:00 pm daily. Thai Airways International. Tel. 0 2535 2801 or 0 2535 2803.

Air Con Bus Service from Bangkok
Busses are scheduled to depart the Eastern (Ekamai) bus station every 30-40 minutes (depending on the information source) from 5:00 am - 11:00 pm. That usually means if they have enough passengers. The trip schedule is 2.2 hours and the cost is Bt 90

Riding Horses - Shoe Point Resort & Country Club offers a variety of riding services on a 1,500 acres of tropical countryside From Dressage and polo to trail riding and ponies for the kids. Trail schedule is 8:00 - 9:30 am and 1:00 - 5:00 pm. off the road to Siam Country Club at km 12 marker.

Game Fishing - Pattaya Game Fishing club, with a membership exceeding 30 schedules 2 trips per months for groups of 4 - 6 anglers. Bt 500 gets you registered with one year’s dues and discounts on fishing trips. See Martin at Cafe Kronborg on Soi Diana. Tel 038 423 303

Sailing - The most widely available craft is the Laser, a fiberglass dinghy designed as a single hander. Pringles and Hobie Cats are also available for rent at Bt 500 - 600/hour. Locations include Wong Amat in North Pattaya near the Ocean view hotel; Surf House at Jomthien Beach; near Cobra Canata in North Jomthien and the Taco Windsurfers Club.

Tennis - Tennis courts will be found mostly at hotels. Courts are normally open to all, but guests are given preference. Costs for instruction and play vary. Expect to pay a surcharge for night play.

Badminton - Pattaya Badminton Courts are located on Soi 17 about 1 km from Pattaya Second Rd. Four courts operate from 2:00 - 12:00 pm. Rates are Bt 60/hour. Membership fee is Bt 500.

Shooting - Tiffany's lets you practice in air conditioned comfort on one of 19 lanes. Instruction is available; as are rifles and hand guns from .22 to .45 cal. Range fee is Bt 200 with single bullet prices from Bt 6 - 20.

Running - Pattaya HHH runs every Monday at 4:00 pm from The Hare House on Soi Post Office.

Paintball - Paintball wars can be fought about 20 minutes from Pattaya Town on Thep Prasit Rd. Two battle fields can accommodate up to 30 players each; and games lasts 20 - 30 minutes. Teams are formed and battle to capture the enemy flag and return to their own base safely.

Go Karting - Pattaya Kart has go-karting at different skill levels on three different courses; beginners, professional and off-road. The beginner’s course is 400 meters long and gentle curves while the professional course measures 800 m and has tighter corners. Rental intervals are 10 minutes. Beginner karts are available as baby, standard and two-seater; renting for Bt 250. Professional karts are standard.

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Marine on Walking St is one of the places to spotthe beautiful people. Loud, techno.

Tony's Entertainment on Walking St is a bit overpriced and pushy, but popular.

X-zyte 3rd Rd bet Central & South Rd. Thai oriented and attractive stage shows.

Shows

Alcazar on 2nd Rd. Transvestite extravaganza with excellent music and costumes. Daily shows at 1800, 2000 & 2130 plus 1200 on Sat.

Simon Cabaret Beach Rd, South Pattaya. Music, dance and costume show

Tiffany's Show on 2nd Rd, has a sound and light show and a cast of 150 performers. Daily shows at 1900, 2030 & 2200

Pubs and Music Venues

After That Soi 7, bar with live music and an area for dancing. Good happy hour prices.

Aloha Diner 2nd Rd, bar with food and drinks; tunes by Filipino musicians

Bamboo Bar South Rd, dance to live music that won't burst the eardrums. Fair drink prices.

Blues Factory Soi Lucky Star, Walking Street, quality live music and ambiance. Jam nights, rock 'n roll shows and blues.

Elvis Pub 2nd Rd, Soi 2: features Elvis music and a German Elvis doing 2 shows.

FLB Walking St, bar with live music. Easy and friendly.

Green Bottle Pub 2nd Rd, Diana Inn; live music, standard to pops; big screen TV for sports.

Green Tree Pub Soi 1, Beach Rd; people watching, live band, snooker, terrace dining.

Moon River Pub by Thai Garden Resort, North Rd; live quality country amp; western music, interesting decor.

Hopf Brew House Beach Rd, Soi Yamato; up scale dining and drinking.

Star Music Walking St, live music and people watching.

Moon River Pub North Rd, Thai Garden Resort; quality international bands and artists. Restaurant and snooker.

Sharky's Walking St, on the water with rock 'n roll band, food and fair drink prices. Upstairs overlooks Walking Street.

Shenanigans The Irish Pub restaurant and bar, dancing, sports TV, set menus; draught Guinness, Kilkenny and Heineken. Two happy hours, 1100-0100 & 1600-1930.

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